Immunotoxicity of microplastics: Carrying pathogens and destroying the immune system

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in the environment and raise significant concerns regarding human health. Hence, it is crucial to carry out a risk evaluation of MPs on the human body and further explore their impact on the immune system. This review emphasizes the role of MPs as potential carriers of environmental pathogens and their interaction with the immune system. MPs can accumulate pathogens and harmful pollutants in the environment, thereby elevating the risk of disease development. The disruption of immune function by MPs involves various mechanisms, such as inflammation induction, oxidative stress, and altered gene expression. These effects may heighten the risk of various conditions, including lung disease, neurological disorders, and cancer. Thus, further research is vital to understand the potential adverse effects of MPs on human immunity. Furthermore, we discuss the current study limitations and potential future challenges, offering fundamental background information for a comprehensive grasp of the toxic impacts of MPs on the immune system.