Particulate matter exposure potentiates SARS-CoV-2 delta variant infection by suppressing epithelial antiviral responses
These findings suggest that PM<sub>10</sub> compromise epithelial antiviral response by dampening apoptotic cell clearance and inflammatory responses, thereby creating a cellular condition more permissive to viral replication. Our study provides a mechanistic basis by which particulate air pollution may amplify SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity in a variant-specific manner. These results underscore further validation in physiologically relevant systems and highlight the potential public health implications of air pollution during viral pandemics.
Authors
- Arunee Thitithanyanont (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9756-4763)
- Pinnakarn Techapichetvanich
- Somchai Chutipongtanate (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6398-5626)
- Apisada Jiso (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4297-7819)
- Alexander W. Thorman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8102-8109)
- Jiraporn Paha
- Supasek Kongsomros (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7052-6495)
- Phisit Khemawoot (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7994-4503)
- Sopita Visamol (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6527-8543)
- Ardythe L. Morrow
- Kwanchanok Uppakara
- Phayungsap Prasara-a
Institutions
- Mahidol University (TH)
- Ramathibodi Hospital (TH)
- Chiang Mai University (TH)
- University of Cincinnati (US)
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
- Published
- 2026-01-05
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1694050
- Primary Topic
- Infection Control and Ventilation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Mahidol University