Interaction between nanomaterials and the innate immune system across evolution

Interaction of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with the immune system mainly occurs with cells and molecules of innate immunity, which are present in interface tissues of living organisms. Immuno-nanotoxicological studies aim at understanding if and when such interaction is inconsequential or may cause irreparable damage. Since innate immunity is the first line of immune reactivity towards exogenous agents and is highly conserved throughout evolution, this review focuses on the major effector cells of innate immunity, the phagocytes, and their major sensing receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), for assessing the modes of successful versus pathological interaction between ENMs and host defences. By comparing the phagocyte- and TLR-dependent responses to ENMs in plants, molluscs, annelids, crustaceans, echinoderms and mammals, we aim to highlight common recognition and elimination mechanisms and the general sufficiency of innate immunity for maintaining tissue integrity and homeostasis.

Automated summary

The interaction of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with the immune system primarily occurs in the interface tissues of living organisms, mainly involving cells and molecules of the innate immunity. Immuno-nanotoxicological studies aim to understand the consequences of this interaction, whether it is insignificant or potentially causes irreversible damage. This review focuses on the effector cells of innate immunity, the phagocytes, and their major sensing receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), to evaluate the modes of interaction between ENMs and host defenses, comparing responses in various organisms.