Interior Decorative VOCs Elevate T Cell-Mediated Obstructive Lung Disease Risks via Osteogenesis-Driven...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Toxicology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from interior decorations may harm respiratory health by affecting lung immune responses.
• Understanding immune cell reactions to complex VOC mixtures is crucial but remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immune cell dynamics and mechanisms in response to interior decorative VOCs.
• To identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for VOC-induced respiratory risks.

Main Methods:

• Whole-body inhalation exposure model in mice.
• Ex vivo biosensor and antibody neutralization assays.
• Bone marrow (BM) and lung immune cell profiling.
• Cohort study correlating VOC exposure with lung disease risk and cytokine levels.

Main Results:

• VOC exposure led to a persistent increase in alveolar T cells.
• Sustained T cell elevation originated from lymphoid-biased hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, not the lung.
• Osteogenic differentiation in the BM niche, regulated by IL-6 and IL-17A, drove VOC-induced lymphoid-biased hematopoiesis.
• Increased lymphocytes correlated with higher risks of obstructive lung diseases, with elevated IL-6 and IL-17A levels in exposed individuals.

Conclusions:

• Interior decorative VOCs induce lymphoid-biased hematopoiesis in bone marrow, leading to increased T cells in the lungs.
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) are key regulators of this process.
• T cells, IL-6, and IL-17A serve as potential indicators for assessing and mitigating VOC-associated respiratory health risks.