Plasma Membrane Damage by Environmental Materials Enhances Cell-Cell Fusion and Impairs Immune Functions of Macrophages

Macrophages are the most abundant phagocytes and play an essential role in host defense. Previous studies have shown that many environmental materials can activate macrophages and trigger inflammatory responses. However, whether these exposures alter macrophage function in host defense remains unclear. This study found that many environmental materials (such as carbon nanotubes, tungsten carbide [WC], and detergents) can damage the plasma membranes of macrophages. This damage leads to decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phagocytosis but elevated cell-cell fusion. In vivo, airway exposure to laundry detergent impaired the recruitment of macrophages and other myeloid cells to the lung and dramatically dampened protective TH1 and TH17 cell responses, leading to increased susceptibility to Candida infection in mice. Overall, our data indicate that exposure to environmental materials compromises macrophage membrane integrity and impairs host defense. These findings may aid in the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.