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Extractable organic matter of Standard Reference Material 1649a influences immunological response induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns

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Abstract

Background, aim, and scope

Lungs are permanently and simultaneously challenged by airborne microorganisms and airborne pollutants. Temporal increase of airborne particulate matter (APM), a potential carrier for extractable organic matter (EOM), degrades the situation of pulmonary patients. The Ah receptor (AhR) has been described as an important factor influencing the immunological challenge by viral infections. Molecular mechanisms underlying epidemiological observations are not well understood. Cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-8, and TGF-β) from human bronchial epithelial cells (Beas2B) was determined as an indicator for immune responses upon co-stimulation with an artificial analog of viral dsRNA [polyinosinic/polycytidylic acid, (PIC)] and EOM of Standard Reference Material 1649a (SRM). Since polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are major components of APM usually acting via the AhR, particular focus was on AhR involvement.

Materials and methods

Cytokine secretion was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To mimic the activation of organic matter during contact of particles with the human lung, Soxhlet extraction of SRM was performed. In some experiments, the AhR was blocked by α-naphthoflavone.

Results

Microbial stimulation (PIC) induced Beas2B cytokine release, whereas isolated exposure to EOM of APM did not. Co-stimulation with EOM and PIC increased IL-8 secretion, whereas neither IL-6 nor TGF-β was affected. Blocking of the AhR suppressed the release of IL-8.

Discussion

Organic compounds adsorbed on airborne particulate matter influence the cytokine secretion of lung epithelial cells induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns.

Recommendations and perspectives

Further investigation of these observations is required to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying adverse health effects of APM reported in epidemiological studies.

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Acknowledgement

We appreciate the excellent technical help from Aline Gierschke.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Kerstin Ulrich & Thomas Braunbeck

  2. Department of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Hygiene Institute, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany

    Sabine Wölfle, Anja Mayer, Klaus Heeg & Lothar Erdinger

  3. Sanofi Pasteur MSD GmbH, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 1, 69181, Leimen, Germany

    Holger Bartz

Authors
  1. Kerstin Ulrich
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  2. Sabine Wölfle
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  3. Anja Mayer
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  4. Klaus Heeg
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  5. Thomas Braunbeck
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  6. Lothar Erdinger
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  7. Holger Bartz
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Correspondence to Kerstin Ulrich.

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Responsible editor: Markus Hecker

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Ulrich, K., Wölfle, S., Mayer, A. et al. Extractable organic matter of Standard Reference Material 1649a influences immunological response induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Environ Sci Pollut Res 17, 1257–1267 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-010-0305-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-010-0305-3

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