biorxiv2026-08-04score 80
Black carbon holds immune cells in an OMA1-DELE1 stress response; ultrafine particles and nanoplastics take shorter paths
In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, ultrafine particulate matter, black carbon, and polystyrene nanoplastics all move oxidative stress and mitochondrial markers, but not on the same clock. Ultrafine particles look acute and adaptive. Black carbon looks chronic, with a persistent OMA1-DELE1 integrated stress response and inflammation. Polystyrene nanoplastics sit in between: lower, longer adaptation plus biogenesis. ND1 and Complexes I through V are expression markers here, not measured iron-sulfur or copper centers. OMA1's metal is also unnamed.
