Human macrophage responses to metal-oxide nanoparticles: a review

Abstract

Nanomaterials have been widely used in our daily lives in medicine, cosmetics, paints, textiles and food products. Many studies aim to determine their biological effects in different types of cells. The interaction of these materials with the immune system leads to reactions by modifying the susceptibility or resistance of the host body which could induce adverse health effects. Macrophages, as specific cells of the innate immune response, play a crucial role in the human defence system to foreign agents. They can be used as a reliable test object for the investigation of immune responses under nanomaterials exposure displayed by expression of a variety of receptors and active secretion of key signalling substances for these processes. This report covers studies of human macrophage behaviours upon exposure of nanomaterials. We focused on their interaction with metal-oxide nanoparticles as these are largely used in medical and cosmetics applications. The discussion and summary of these studies can guide the development of new nanomaterials, which are, at the same time, safe and useful for new purposes, especially for health applications.ARTICLE HISTORY

Time-resolved characterization of the mechanisms of toxicity induced by silica and amino-modified polystyrene on alveolar-like macrophages

“…Within this context, it is recognized that the analysis of cellular responses of macrophages to nanoparticles is a critical parameter for nanosafety assessment (Dobrovolskaia et al 2008;Lanone et al 2009;Gustafson et al 2015;Wiemann et al 2016;Bhattacharya et al 2017;Boraschi et al 2017). Macrophages are, in fact, in the first line of defense against pathogens, including environmental pollution (Figueiredo Borgognoni et al 2018). They play a major role in the removal of foreign materials by phagocytosis and by mediating inflammatory responses.…”

Dietary Nanoparticles Interact with Gluten Peptides and Alter the Intestinal Homeostasis Increasing the Risk of Celiac Disease

“…Several studies showed that the mNPs can alter the intestinal microbiota composition, impair the gastrointestinal barrier permeability, and induce immune modulation [ 21 , 22 ], thus having an important effect on patients with diseases characterized by intestinal damage and immune response alterations such as inflammatory bowel diseases [ 10 , 12 , 23 ]. Herein, we continue in that direction, pointing to CeD as another possible disorder in which the dietary intake of mNPs could play a significant role.…”

Monocytes as a convergent nanoparticle therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases

“…From a cellular standpoint, the cardiovascular system is heavily affected by immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages, endothelial cells, and hematopoietic systems. Monocyte polarization differentiation affect the progression of CVDs [ 63 , 64 ]. Developing nanoparticles that interact with monocytes in advantageous ways could be an avenue to improved diseased outcomes.…”