Nanomaterials and the Serosal Immune System in the Thoracic and Peritoneal Cavities.
The thoracic and peritoneal cavities are lined by serous membranes and are home of the serosal immune system. This immune system fuses innate and adaptive immunity, to maintain local homeostasis and repair local tissue damage, and to cooperate closely with the mucosal immune system. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are found abundantly in the thoracic and peritoneal cavities, and they are crucial in first defense against pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Nanomaterials (NMs) can enter the cavities intentionally for medical purposes, or unintentionally following environmental exposure; subsequent serosal inflammation and cancer (mesothelioma) has gained significant interest. However, reports on adverse effects of NM on ILCs and other components of the serosal immune system are scarce or even lacking. As ILCs are crucial in the first defense against pathogenic viruses and bacteria, it is possible that serosal exposure to NM may lead to a reduced resistance against pathogens. Additionally, affected serosal lymphoid tissues and cells may disturb adipose tissue homeostasis. This review aims to provide insight into key effects of NM on the serosal immune system.
['Kuper|C Frieke|CF|0000-0001-8273-2915', 'Pieters|Raymond H H|RHH|0000-0002-3427-8401', 'van Bilsen|Jolanda H M|JHM|0000-0003-3439-5445']
D000818:Animals D006706:Homeostasis D006801:Humans D007107:Immune System D007249:Inflammation D008214:Lymphocytes D049329:Nanostructures D010529:Peritoneal Cavity D012704:Serous Membrane D035423:Thoracic Cavity
FALC MS SALC innate lymphocytes pericardium peritoneum pleura serosa