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Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) mainly induce oxidative stress through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to cytotoxicity. Celastrol, a plant-derived compound, can exert antioxidant effects by reducing ROS production. Our results indicated that exposure to MWCNTs decreased cell viability and increased ROS production. Nrf2 knockdown (kd) led to increased ROS production and enhanced MWCNT-induced cytotoxicity. Keap1-kd led to decreased ROS production and attenuated cytotoxicity. Treatment with celastrol significantly decreased ROS production and promoted Keap1 protein degradation through the lysosomal pathway, thereby enhancing the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and increasing HO-1 expression. The in vivo results showed that celastrol could alleviate the inflammatory damage of lung tissues, increase the levels of the antioxidants, GSH and SOD, as well as promote the expression of the antioxidant protein, HO-1 in MWCNT-treated mice. Celastrol can alleviate MWCNT-induced oxidative stress through the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. • Celastrol can alleviate MWCNT-induced oxidative stress through the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. • Celastrol significantly decreased ROS production and promoted Keap1 protein degradation through the lysosomal pathway. • Celastrol enhances the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and increasing HO-1 expression. • Keap1-knockdown led to decreased ROS production and attenuated MWCNTs cytotoxicity. • Nrf2 knockdown led to increased ROS production and enhanced MWCNT-induced cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]