Tattoo ink induces inflammation in the draining lymph node and alters the immune response to vaccination.

ABSTRACT: Despite safety concerns regarding the toxicity of tattoo ink, no studies have reported the consequences of tattooing on the immune response. In this work, we have characterized the transport and accumulation of different tattoo inks in the lymphatic system using a murine model. Upon quick lymphatic drainage, we observed that macrophages mainly capture the ink in the lymph node (LN). An initial inflammatory reaction at local and systemic levels follows ink capture. Notably, the inflammatory process is maintained over time, as we observed clear signs of inflammation in the draining LN 2 mo following tattooing. In addition, the capture of ink by macrophages was associated with the induction of apoptosis in both human and murine models. Furthermore, the ink accumulated in the LN altered the im

SUBMITTER: Capucetti A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12685120 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature