Work

PM2.5 exacerbates house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis via STING-mediated nasal epithelial barrier disruption

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The synergistic effect of PM2.5 and house dust mite (HDM) in exacerbating allergic rhinitis (AR) is recognized, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: This study investigated whether PM2.5 aggravates HDM-induced AR and nasal epithelial barrier damage via the STING signaling pathway. Methods: (Human Nasal Epithelial Cells, HNEpCs) experiments. Models were exposed to PM2.5 and HDM, alone or in combination. Rhinitis symptoms, epithelial barrier integrity, Th2 inflammation, and the STING/NF-κB pathway were assessed. The STING inhibitor H-151 was used for functional validation. Results: experiments consistently demonstrated that co-exposure to PM2.5 and HDM synergistically worsened nasal symptoms, Th2 responses (elevated IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE), and impaired barrier function (downregulated E-cadherin and Claudin-1), while activating the STING/NF-κB pathway. Critically, H-151 treatment reversed these pathological changes. Conclusion: PM2.5 disrupts the nasal epithelial barrier and synergizes with HDM to exacerbate allergic inflammation by activating the STING/NF-κB pathway. This study identifies STING as a potential therapeutic target for environment-aggravated allergic diseases.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1752415

Authors: Youwei Bao, Zhiqiang Zhang, Qi Chen, Shi Binbin, Xinhua Zhu

Institutions: Nanchang University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University

Language: English

Topic: Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization

Subfield: Immunology and Allergy

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801