Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Inhaled microplastics inhibit key immune cell in the lungs

Study also shows how macrophage function can be restored after exposure

American Thoracic Society

image:
Adam Soloff, PhD, associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and first author of the study.
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Credit: Adam Soloff, MD

Session: B15—Macrophages: The Pac-Man of the Immune System

Inhaled Microplastics Inhibit Tissue Maintenance Functions of Pulmonary Macrophages

ATS 2025, San Francisco – Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, and we all routinely inhale these tiny pollutants. Now new research published at the ATS 2025 International Conference has found that inhaled microplastics suppress pulmonary macrophages, a type of white blood cell found in the lungs that are critical to the immune system.

The findings shed new light on the mechanisms through which microplastic exposure leads to long-term disruption of immune function and increases risk of cancer and other diseases. These risks aren’t limited to the lungs but can affect the entire body.

“For me, it’s a bit eye opening that although microplastics aren’t the most dangerous agent we may encounter, they are far from benign,” said Adam Soloff, PhD, associate professor of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and first author of the study. “Respiratory microplastics disseminate systemically after passing through the lung and negatively affect macrophage function. Overall, these may have detrimental effects on any and all organ systems and contribute to a number of diseases.”

Macrophages are the most abundant immune cell of the lung and play a critical role. These cells work as immune housekeepers, devouring pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis. They also clear away dead lung cells, which can cause chronic inflammation when they’re left to accumulate.

For the study, researchers cultured macrophages with polystyrene microplastics at different sizes and concentrations. They also exposed mice to inhaled microplastics and then measured the effects on the animals’ macrophage function.

They found that within 24 hours of exposure to microplastics of any size, the macrophages showed a reduced ability to surround and absorb other bacteria, a critical process called phagocytosis. Microplastic particles were readily detected in the liver, spleen and colon with trace amounts in the brain and kidney for up to a week after being inhaled.

Researchers also found that the drug Acadesine, an AMP kinase activator, was able to partially restore macrophage function after microplastic exposures.

Dr. Soloff said the results were surprising.

“When we first started to discuss these microplastic exposures, I was sure that the macrophages would just eat (phagocytose) and digest them (lysosomally process), and that would be the end of it,” he said. “I was really surprised to see that not only did the macrophages struggle to break down the plastics in vitro, but macrophages in the lung retained these particles over time as well.”

In addition to driving public health measures to reduce the use of plastics overall, the findings could support the use of drugs like Acadesine in at-risk populations.

“Given the poor air quality in so many places around the world, you could imagine that developing a low-cost, low-side-effect therapeutic to restore pulmonary macrophage function may be an important tool to combat increasing rates of lung disease,” Dr. Soloff said.

Next, the team will examine microplastic exposure in lung tissues from patients, with a long-term goal of establishing biomarkers for lung disease and lung cancer risk that could be used to trigger early screening or intervention.

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A turning point in medicine: phage therapy moves from promise to practice

Berlin to host groundbreaking international conference targeting the clinical future of bacteriophages

Mitochondria-Microbiota Task Force

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A Turning Point in Medicine: Phage Therapy Moves from Promise to Practice

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Credit: @ Phage Therapy 2025 Meeting

Berlin, Germany – As antibiotic resistance accelerates into a global crisis, phage therapy is emerging as one of the most promising—and urgent—solutions in modern medicine. From June 10–11, 2025, the international scientific and medical community will gather in Berlin for Targeting Phage Therapy 2025, the leading global event focused on translating phage research into clinical reality.

With the theme “From Bench to Bedside: Accelerating Clinical Applications of Phage Therapy”, this year’s program brings together global leaders across infectious diseases, oncology, microbiome science, regulatory affairs, and biotechnology.

Strategic Aim: Clinical Implementation of Phage Therapy

This year’s edition is strategically designed to fast-track the integration of phage-based therapeutics into routine clinical practice. Key sessions will explore:

Ongoing clinical trials in cystic fibrosis, melanoma, and burn infections
Engineered phages for cancer and personalized microbiome modulation
Innovative delivery systems, from inhaled phages to hydrogels and tablets
Legal and regulatory frameworks enabling real-world phage deployment
GMP manufacturing pipelines and market access strategies

“The field has matured. The science is here. Now, our focus is clear: scale up production, secure regulatory approval, and deliver precision phage therapies to the patients who need them,” says Prof. Marvin Edeas, Chairman of the Scientific Committee.

Highlights from the 2025 Program – Major Speakers Include:

"Keynote Speech – Phage Therapy 2030: Getting from here to there"

Robert T. Schooley – University of California, San Diego (USA)

"Bacteriophage Therapy: A Renaissance – From Military Medicine to Civilian Healthcare"

Christian Willy – Academic Hospital Bundeswehr Berlin (Germany)

"Complex Phage Communities Control Gut (im)balances and May Hold the Key to Restore Gut Biosis"

Dennis Sandris Nielsen – University of Copenhagen (Denmark)

"Inhaled Bacteriophage Therapy for Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa: Advances & Perspectives"

Gail L. Stanley – Yale University (USA)

"KlebPhaCol: Novel Gut Phage Order Associated with the Human Gut"

Franklin Nobrega – University of Southampton (United Kingdom)

"Optimizing the Phage-Bacteria Ratio in Phage Therapy: Metagenomic Insights into Microbial Balance and Dysbiosis"

Domenico Frezza – University of Roma Tor Vergata (Italy)

"Phage Defense Systems: Are they an Obstacle for Phage Therapy?"

Stan J.J. Brouns – Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands)

"Biocontrol of Phage Resistance in Pseudomonas Infections – Fitness Trade-Offs Between Phages and Antibiotic Sensitivity"

Jumpei Fujiki – Rakuno Gakuen University (Japan)

"Yersinia Phage Stories: Impact on Phage Therapy"

Mikael Skurnik – University of Helsinki (Finland)

"Targeting Tumors with Engineered Phages: A New Frontier in Precision Oncology"

Alberto Danielli – University of Bologna (Italy)

"Engineering Phages for Cancer Therapy: Insights into Immune Interactions and Targeting in Ex-Vivo and In-Vivo Models"

Alena Kaltenbrunner – University of Bologna (Italy)

"Endolysin B as a New Approach & Archetype in M. Tuberculosis Treatment"

Loris Rizzello – University of Milan (Italy)

"Ex vivo pig lung as a new Cystic Fibrosis model for the study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infection and phage therapy application"

Marco Cafora – University of Milan (Italy)

"Translating Phage Therapy into the Clinic: Recent Accomplishments and Next Challenges"

Jeremy Barr – Monash University (Australia)

"Bacteriophage Therapy for Critical Infections Related to Cardiothoracic Surgery"

Christian Kühn – Hannover Medical School (Germany)

"Phage Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Presentation of First Clinical Trial in Japan"

Hidetomo Iwano – Rakuno Gakuen University (Japan)

"Bacteriophages Applications in Broiler Farms: Strategies & Perspectives"

Sandra Sevilla-Navarro – Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (Spain)

"Phage Therapy in Europe: Legal, Regulatory and Ethic Issues"

Barbara Brenner – Kanzlei BRENNER (Germany)

Among the companies who will attend the congress:

Jafral (Supporter)
Amazon
Apothekendienstleistungen
Aptar Radolfzell GmbH
Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana
ArGe Teknoloji Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi
FagoFarma
TiPHAGE
Grachtenhaus-Apotheke e.K.
German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH
Inteliphage
Kanzlei BRENNER
Komplementäre Tiermedizin GmbH
LABOKLIN GmbH & Co. KG
Laboklin Phage Center
Laboratorios Syva
MB Pharma
MicrobiotiX
Medios AG
Nordmark Pharma
Otsuka Pharmaceutical CO.
Phileo by Lesaffre
Phagos
Precise Health SA
PrecisionPhage
Poulpharm
Qiagen
Rime Bioinformatics
Salem Microbes

A Defining Moment for Antibacterial Innovation

As resistance to antibiotics continues to grow, phage therapy is moving from scientific promise to clinical necessity. With over 75 communications, live discussions, and poster sessions attendees from 27 countires, the event aims to chart the course for clinical access, regulatory harmonization, and global collaborations.

For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, visit: www.phagetherapy-site.com

MEDIA KIT

Phage Therapy: The Hottest Frontier in Tomorrow’s Medicine

Targeting Phage Therapy 2025
June 10–11, 2025 – Berlin, Germany
Website: www.phagetherapy-site.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Email: contact@phagetherapy-site.com

EVENT OVERVIEW

Title: Targeting Phage Therapy 2025
Dates: June 10–11, 2025
Location: Berlin, Germany
Format: In-person Conference
Organized by: International Society of Microbiota (ISM)

Strategic Theme:

“From Bench to Bedside: Accelerating Clinical Applications of Phage Therapy”

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

75+ talks and presentations from global experts coming from 27 Countries
Real-world clinical trials in cystic fibrosis, burn wounds, and TB
Live GMP manufacturing and regulatory strategy sessions
Cross-sector focus: Human health, oncology, veterinary, agriculture
Legal, ethical and market access discussions with EU stakeholders

PRESS MATERIALS

High-resolution conference logo
Poster & social media banners (JPEG/PNG)
Full program (PDF)
Press release
Interview coordination available upon request

SOCIAL MEDIA & TAGS

Hashtags:

#PhageTherapy2025 | #Microbiome | #FutureOfMedicine | #PrecisionInfectiousCare

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/phage-therapy-task-force/

QUOTES FOR MEDIA USE

“Phage therapy is no longer experimental—it’s strategic. This conference marks the inflection point where science becomes practice.”

— Prof. Marvin Edeas, Chair, Scientific Committee

SEE
https://plawiuk.blogspot.com/search?q=PHAGES
https://plawiuk.blogspot.com/search?q=PHAGE
https://plawiuk.blogspot.com/search?q=BIOPHAGES

Could nanoplastics in the environment turn E. coli into a bigger villain?

University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Nanoplastics on E. coli — image:
Clusters of nanoplastics (red arrows) bind to E. coli O157:H7. Award winning image by Jayashree Nath, first author of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study.
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Credit: Jayashree Nath

URBANA, Ill. -- Nanoplastics are everywhere. These fragments are so tiny they can accumulate on bacteria and be taken up by plant roots; they’re in our food, our water, and our bodies. Scientists don’t know the full extent of their impacts on our health, but new research from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign food scientists suggests certain nanoplastics may make foodborne pathogens more virulent.

“Other studies have evaluated the interaction of nanoplastics and bacteria, but so far, ours is the first to look at the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on human pathogenic bacteria. We focused on one of the key pathogens implicated in outbreaks of foodborne illness — E. coli O157:H7,” said senior study author Pratik Banerjee, associate professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and an Illinois Extension Specialist; both units are part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois.

Banerjee’s team found that nanoplastics with positively charged surfaces were more likely to cause physiological stress in E. coli O157:H7. Just as a stressed dog is more likely to bite, the stressed bacteria became more virulent, pumping out more Shiga-like toxin, the chemical that causes illness in humans.

The researchers expected positively charged nanoplastics to impact E. coli because the bacteria’s surface carries a negative charge. To test their opposites-attract hypothesis, they created nanoplastics from polystyrene — the material in those ubiquitous white clamshell-style takeout boxes — and applied positive, neutral, or negative charges before introducing the particles to E. coli either free-floating in solution or in biofilms.

“We started with the surface charge. Plastics have an enormous ability to adsorb chemicals. Each chemical has a different effect on surface charge, based on how much chemical is adsorbed and on what kind of plastic,” Banerjee said. “We didn’t look at the effects of the chemicals themselves in this paper — that’s our next study — but this is the first step in understanding how the surface charge of plastics impacts pathogenic E. coli response.”

The bacteria exposed to positively charged nanoplastics showed stress in multiple ways, not just by producing more Shiga-like toxin. They also took longer to multiply when free-floating and congregated into biofilms more slowly. However, growth eventually rebounded.

Biofilms give bacterial cells a measure of protection thanks to an extracellular coating they develop. To test whether this coating protected against nanoplastic-induced stress, the team dunked comparatively large microplastic particles into the bacterial soup and gave E. coli a week or two to colonize. Then, they introduced the same charged nanoplastics.

The positively charged particles still caused stress — and enhanced Shiga-like toxin production — in biofilm-bound E. coli.

“Biofilms are a very robust bacterial structure and are hard to eradicate. They’re a big problem in the medical industry, forming on inserts like catheters or implants, and in the food industry,” Banerjee said. “One of our goals was to see what happens when this human pathogen, which is commonly transmitted via food, encounters these nanoplastics from the vantage point of a biofilm.”

Interactions with plastic particles may be doing more than increasing E. coli’s toxicity; other studies have shown biofilms on microplastics may serve as hotspots for the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, making the bacteria harder to manage. Banerjee’s group has studies underway to look at resistance gene transfer and changes in virulence and transmission patterns of major foodborne pathogens in food products and other environments such as soil.

The study, “Nanoplastics-mediated physiologic and genomic responses in pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7,” is published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-025-03369-z]. The research was supported in part by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant [# ILLU-698-981].

Banerjee is also affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and the Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at U. of I.

Journal

Journal of Nanobiotechnology

DOI

10.1186/s12951-025-03369-z

New research highlights health benefits of using heritage art practices in art therapy

Drexel University

Puzzle & Heritage Art Practice — image:
Examples of a participant completing the puzzle-making task (left) and the heritage artmaking task (right).
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Credit: Photo from The Arts in Psychotherapy

Heritage art practices include indigenous and traditional arts practices — such as fiber arts, clay work, distinct painting styles etc. — handed down in families or communities across generations. The fact that they have been sustained for generations, and helped to serve the expressive and psychosocial needs of communities, suggest that they could be ideal approaches to support mental health and emotional well-being. To better understand their potential therapeutic benefits, researchers from Drexel University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions examined the impact of these practices on mental and physical health.

Led by Girija Kaimal, EdD, professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, the study showed that heritage artforms can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Results were recently published in The Arts in Psychotherapy.

“When we engage in preferred heritage artforms, they can help us manage our moods including reducing negativity, improving positive feelings and reducing feelings of anxiety,” said Kaimal. “Most heritage artforms are typically simple in basic techniques, making them easy to learn, but then allow for refinement, artistic exploration and complexity. We don't need advanced skills or supplies. Simple creative practices can serve as preventive mental health resources.”

Kaimal explained that in previous studies they have highlighted how to distinguish between indigenous and traditional arts practices. Indigenous art practices relate to a specific community in geographical region. They include sacred belief systems, spirituality and community history that tend to be more specific in their applications. In undertaking these practices, individuals need to be respectful of the community’s guidance around using imagery, including being mindful about harmful appropriation. Traditional creative practices are those that are handed down across generations and are more open to adaptation and interpretation.

In this current study, the research team collected data from sites in the United States, Japan and India. Fifty-four participants completed two sessions: one where they engaged in a preferred heritage art practice for 45 minutes and one where they put together jigsaw puzzles for 45 minutes.

In the U.S., participants could practice activities like creating temporary body art with natural henna; or cross-stitch, the embroidering of patterns. In Japan, participants engaged in creating works using approaches like mizuhiki, tying decorative knots with thin paper strings, or calligraphy. In India, participants engaged in pookalam, creating artworks using natural media, like plants, flowers and clay, as well as using a range of heritage arts practices, such as madhubani, a style of painting.

All participants completed standardized questionnaires before and after both sessions to measure anxiety, mood and affect, perceived stress, self-efficacy and creative agency. Participants reported more positive feelings and less negative feelings after the heritage art task compared to the puzzle task, showing that practicing heritage artforms can have significant mental health benefits.

“The findings highlight the value of tapping into tools we have right in our homes,” said Kaimal. “There is a reason these practices have survived over time. The acts of using our hands and eyes to create something is rewarding and calming on multiple levels both physiological and emotional.”

Kaimal and the research team are planning to build on this study by examining a wide range of heritage practices at sites around the world. Further analysis of qualitative data from all of the sites is also underway. Additionally, the researchers are developing an open-access book as a resource for psychosocial support specialists and art therapists.

“We see tremendous potential for indigenous arts practices to be a public health approach for mental health and well-being,” said Kaimal. “Heritage arts practices are often ignored or treated as artifacts alone. They can, however, be integrated into our lives as we were meant to use them in our evolutionary history: as a creative resource for self-regulation and well-being.”

Read the full study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197455625000243.