Particulate matter exposure potentiates SARS-CoV-2 delta variant infection by suppressing epithelial antiviral responses.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Airborne particulate matter (PM), particularly fine (PM_2.5) and coarse (PM₁₀) particles, is a major environmental health concern linked to increased respiratory morbidity and mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, epidemiological studies suggested that PM exposure may worsen SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes; however, cellular mechanisms underlying this association remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated how pre-exposure to PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ impacts SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in Calu-3 human epithelial cells.

Methods

Calu-3 cells were pre-exposed to PM for 72 h prior to infection with either the wild-type Wuhan strain or the more virulent Delta variant for additional 48 h. Viral infection, receptor expressi

SUBMITTER: Kongsomros S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813143 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature