PM 2.5 exposure inducing ATP alteration links with NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) has been the primary air pollutant and the fourth leading risk factor for disease and death in the world. Exposure to PM 2.5 is related to activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, but the mechanism of PM 2.5 affecting the NLRP3 inflammasome is still unclear. Previous studies have shown that PM 2.5 can cause alterations in adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and an increase in extracellular ATP and a decrease in intracellular ATP can trigger the activation process of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, we emphasize that ATP changes may be the central link and key mechanism of PM 2.5 exposure that activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. This review briefly elucidates and summarizes how PM 2.5 acts on ATP and subsequently further impacts the NLRP3 inflammasome. Investigation of ATP changes due to exposure to PM 2.5 may be essential to regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation and treat inflammation-related diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Graphical abstract