Comparative proteomics of inhaled silver nanoparticles in healthy and allergen provoked mice

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been associated with the exacerbation of asthma; however, the immunological basis for the adjuvant effects of AgNPs is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study reported here was to investigate the allergic effects of AgNP inhalation using proteomic approaches. METHODS: Allergen provoked mice were exposed to 33 nm AgNPs at 3.3 mg/m(3). Following this, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma were collected to determine protein profiles. RESULTS: In total, 106 and 79 AgNP-unique proteins were identified in the BALF of control and allergic mice, respectively. Additionally, 40 and 26 AgNP-unique proteins were found in the plasma of control and allergic mice, respectively. The BALF and plasma protein profiles suggested that metabolic, cellular, and immune system processes were associated with pulmonary exposure to AgNPs. In addition, we observed 18 proteins associated with systemic lupus erythematosus that were commonly expressed in both control and allergic mice after AgNP exposure. Significant allergy responses were observed after AgNP exposure in control and allergic mice, as determined by ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E. CONCLUSION: Inhaled AgNPs may regulate immune responses in the lungs of both control and allergic mice. Our results suggest that immunology is a vital response to AgNPs.