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

作者：Meunier Etienne; Coste Agnes; Olagnier David; Authier Helene; Lefevre Lise; Dardenne Christophe; Bernad Jose; Beraud Maryse; Flahaut Emmanuel; Pipy Bernard^*

来源：Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine , 2012, 8(6): 987-995.

DOI：10.1016/j.nano.2011.11.004

• Double-walled carbon nanotubes
• Human monocytes
• Nlrp3 inflammasome
• IL-1 beta
• Inflammation

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-1 beta release in human monocytes. We show that DWCNTs-induced IL-1 beta 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-1 beta 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. %26lt;br%26gt;From the Clinical Editor: This is a very important biosafety/toxicity study regarding double walled carbon nanotubes. The investigators demonstrate that such nanotubes do represent a health hazard due to their capacity to activate Nlrp3 inflammasome, resembling the inflammation caused by asbestos. While further study of this phenomenon is definitely needed, the above findings clearly suggest that special precautions need to be taken when applying these nanoparticles in human disease research.

• 出版日期2012-8