Interaction between Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Particulate Matter in Guinea Pig Alveolar Macrophages

Alveolar macrophages (AM) play a pivotal role in host lung defense mechanisms. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) stimulates secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in AM while it suppresses the cell's phagocytic ability. However, exposure of AM to ambient particulate matter (PM10) has been reported to inhibit RSV uptake. The mechanisms involved in the interaction between RSV and PM10 in AM are not known. We hypothesize that the cellular response of AM to RSV and PM10 is dependent on the sequence in which AM are exposed to these agents. In this study, we compared the sequential effect of RSV and PM10 exposure in vitro on the phagocytic function of guinea pig AM, the RSV Yield in AM, and the production of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α). The ability of AM to phagocytose PM10 was not affected by sequential exposure to RSV and PM10. RSV Yield was severely decreased in PM10-exposed AM, regardless of sequence of exposure, compared with AM that were not expo...