An overview of quantum dots-induced immunotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. (15th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wei, Tingting; Zhang, Ting; Tang, Meng
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 311(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10-15
• Subjects: Immunotoxicity -- Quantum dots -- Oxidative stress -- Autophagy-lysosome pathway -- Cytokines; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119865
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Quantum dots (QDs) have bright luminescence and excellent photostability. New synthesis techniques and strategies also enhance QDs properties for specific applications. With the continuous expansion of the applications, QDs-mediated immunotoxicity has become a major concern. The immune system has been confirmed to be an important target organ of QDs and is sensitive to QDs. Herein, review immunotoxic effects caused by QDs and the underlying mechanisms. Firstly, QDs exposure-induced modulation in immune cell maturation and differentiation is summarized, especially pre-exposed dendritic cells (DCs) and their regulatory roles in adaptive immunity. Cytokines are usually recognized as biomarkers of immunotoxicity, therefore, variation of cytokines mediated by QDs is also highlighted. Moreover, the activation of the complement system induced by QDs is discussed. Accumulated results have suggested that QDs disrupt the immune response by regulating intracellular oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species) levels, autophagy formation, and expressions of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, several signalling pathways play a key role in the disruption. Finally, some difficulties worthy of further consideration are proposed. Because there are still challenges in biomedical and clinical applications, this review hopes to provide information that could be useful in exploring the mechanisms associated with QD-induced immunotoxicity. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: QDs are inevitably released into the environment; even low-level exposure may induce immunological effects. Describing immunotoxicity by inflammatory response only is crucial but skewed. Besides inflammation response, autophagy and oxidative stress are also associated with immunotoxicity. The underlying molecular mechanisms may depend on the mTOR, MAPK, and TLR signalling pathways.