Researchers from the Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE) and Tampere University have identified a shared ancestral molecular response to nanoparticle exposure across multiple species. Dr. Giusy del Giudice’s analysis reveals an epigenetic defense mechanism that highlights how organisms, including humans, adapt to nanoparticles. This groundbreaking work, led by Professor Dario Greco and published in Nature Nanotechnology, indicates a specific immune response linked to the properties of nanoparticles, offering insights into chemical safety assessment challenges.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the effects of immune activation in disease outcomes. The research connects particulate matter exposure with immune system priming, emphasizing the implications for health conditions like respiratory diseases and lung cancer. Importantly, it supports the concept of planetary health, showing the interconnectedness of species and how environmental chemical exposures can have broad effects.
With the increasing use of engineered nanomaterials in various applications, this research underscores the need for innovative testing methods that reduce reliance on animal trials. It aims to establish new models for assessing health risks associated with nanomaterials to ensure safety in public health and environmental contexts.
