Maternal ingestion of polyethylene microplastics results in reduced antiviral responses by dysregulating the immune system in their progeny

Recent evidence of a potential link between environmental plastic waste and increased incidence of infectious diseases suggests that plastic particles in the environment can provide a habitat for various pathogenic microorganisms. Environmental hazards may pose an even greater threat to children because their immune systems are still developing. Here, we used mice exposed to microplastics derived from polyethylene (PEMPs) to demonstrate that these particles can be transferred from the mother to the offspring at early postnatal ages. Finally, we demonstrate that exposure to maternal PEMPs alters the distribution of immune cells, including B, T, and NK cells, within the spleen of the progeny. These changes led to breakdown of immune defenses against pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus infection, including significant reductions in antiviral immune responses and B cell expansion, as well as diminished macrophage activation. Collectively, these findings highlight the potentially harmful effects of PEMPs on the immune function of developing individuals.