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Double-walled carbon nanotubes trigger IL-1β release in human monocytes through Nlrp3 inflammasome activation.

Authors :
Meunier E
Coste A
Olagnier D
Authier H
Lefèvre L
Dardenne C
Bernad J
Béraud M
Flahaut E
Pipy B
Source :
Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine [Nanomedicine] 2012 Aug; Vol. 8 (6), pp. 987-95. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Nov 16.
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

Because of their outstanding physical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising new materials in the field of nanotechnology. It is therefore imperative to assess their adverse effects on human health. Monocytes/macrophages that recognize and eliminate the inert particles constitute the main target of CNTs. In this article, we report our finding that double-walled CNTs (DWCNTs) synergize with Toll-like receptor agonists to enhance IL-1β release in human monocytes. We show that DWCNTs-induced IL-1β secretion is exclusively linked to caspase-1 and to Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes. We also establish that this activation requires DWCNTs phagocytosis and potassium efflux, but not reactive oxygen specied (ROS) generation. Moreover, inhibition of lysosomal acidification or cathepsin-B activation reduces DWCNT-induced IL-1β secretion, suggesting that Nlrp3 inflammasome activation occurs via lysosomal destabilization. Thus, DWCNTs present a health hazard due to their capacity to activate Nlrp3 inflammasome, recalling the inflammation caused by asbestos and hence demonstrating that they should be used with caution.<br /> (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1549-9642
Volume :
8
Issue :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
22100755
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nano.2011.11.004