A comprehensive review on the role of PM2.5 in modulating transplant immunity and graft survival

Organ transplantation is an indispensable therapeutic approach for patients experiencing end-stage organ failure. Despite ongoing advancements and refinements in immunosuppressive therapies aimed at mitigating graft rejection and enhancing graft longevity, environmental influences including particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) have emerged as significant determinants of post-transplant health. PM2.5, a prevalent environmental contaminant, is particularly concerning due to its widespread presence and detrimental biological effects. Notably, the living environment of transplant recipients further exacerbates the complexity of post-transplant outcomes. Evaluating findings from recent investigations, this review delves into the influence of PM2.5 exposure on the immune system. The findings identify its capacity to provoke systemic inflammation, disrupt cytokine profiles, and compromise immune tolerance mechanisms. Such immune dysfunction poses direct risks to graft integrity, with potential implications for both graft health and the prospects of achieving long-term graft survival in affected patients.