Hexavalent chromium exposure induces immune dysregulation and lung tissue neutrophil extracellular traps formation

Abstract

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a known human carcinogen that is associated with environmental pollution and health risks. However, the relationship between its immunotoxicity and inflammation is still poorly understood. In this study, researchers used a mouse dynamic inhalation exposure system to simulate Cr(VI) occupational environments and conducted multi-organ immunological assessment along with lung tissue inflammatory profiling. It was observed that Cr(VI) inhalation exposure induced selective, time-dependent variations in lymphocyte subsets across specific organs, accompanied by significant upregulation of immune-related cytokines. The exposure triggered neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation in lung tissue with concurrent elevation in NETs-associated gene expression and inflammasome-related gene activation. Immune dysregulation demonstrated close correlation with inflammation characterized by NETs formation and inflammasome activation. Furthermore, a two-week recovery period resulted in significant amelioration of these Cr(VI)-induced immunological disturbances and inflammatory manifestations. These findings provide critical insights into the crosstalk between immune dysfunction and inflammatory activation in occupational Cr(VI) exposure.