Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) and ultrafine particles generated by human activity are known to cause adverse effects, for instance, by aggravating the clinical symptoms of pre-existing lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COLD), asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Eosinophils (EOs), major immune cells, can be responsible for the development or aggravation of such respiratory disorders. Given that the number of employees working in nanotechnology or NP manufacturing or synthesis will increase and our knowledge of the interactions between nanoparticles and human eosinophils is very limited, it is crucial to undertake a project intended to fill this gap.

The researchers want to determine which of the NPs under study will activate human EOs, and whether NPs of a specific class, or one NP with different diameters, act similarly or not. Such information will allow better targeting of NPs presenting greater health risks for potentially exposed workers (eosinophilic inflammation /pulmonary disorders, etc.).

The findings will provide insight into how human EOs react to NPs. This information will be useful for evaluating and preventing or reducing the risks to which workers are exposed.