Zima Katarzyna, Bogucka Aleksandra, Wojtas Miłosz, Zabielska-Kaczorowska Magdalena
Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland.
Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2025 Feb 1;68(1):9. doi: 10.1007/s12016-025-09026-5.
Electronic cigarettes (EC) have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional tobacco products, but their impact on immune function has raised significant health concerns. This review explores the immunological effects of EC exposure, focusing on innate and adaptive immune responses. Electronic cigarette aerosol (ECA) induces widespread inflammation. These changes compromise immune cell function, impairing neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst while increasing macrophage and dendritic cell recruitment and activation. ECA also disrupts epithelial barriers, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Studies show enhanced biofilm formation in bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and impaired antiviral responses against pathogens like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, EC exposure modulates adaptive immunity, affecting T and B cell function and increasing systemic inflammatory markers. The long-term consequences of these immunological disruptions include heightened risks for chronic inflammatory diseases, respiratory infections, and potentially autoimmune conditions. The widespread adoption of EC, particularly among younger users, poses a growing public health challenge. As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, these immunological disruptions could result in increased healthcare burdens in the future, with higher rates of infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, and immune system-related disorders among those who begin using e-cigarettes at a young age. Understanding the full scope of EC-related health risks is essential for informing public health policies and protecting future generations from the potential long-term effects of vaping.
电子烟已成为传统烟草产品的一种流行替代品，但其对免疫功能的影响引发了重大的健康担忧。本综述探讨了接触电子烟的免疫学效应，重点关注固有免疫和适应性免疫反应。电子烟烟雾（ECA）会引发广泛的炎症。这些变化损害免疫细胞功能，削弱中性粒细胞的趋化性、吞噬作用和氧化爆发，同时增加巨噬细胞和树突状细胞的募集与活化。ECA还会破坏上皮屏障，增加对细菌和病毒感染的易感性。研究表明，在金黄色葡萄球菌和肺炎链球菌等细菌中生物膜形成增强，并且对甲型流感和严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2等病原体的抗病毒反应受损。此外，接触电子烟会调节适应性免疫，影响T细胞和B细胞功能，并增加全身炎症标志物。这些免疫紊乱的长期后果包括慢性炎症性疾病、呼吸道感染以及潜在的自身免疫性疾病的风险增加。电子烟的广泛使用，尤其是在年轻用户中，构成了日益严峻的公共卫生挑战。随着电子烟使用的持续增加，这些免疫紊乱可能会在未来导致医疗负担加重，在年轻时开始使用电子烟的人群中感染、慢性炎症性疾病和免疫系统相关疾病的发生率会更高。了解与电子烟相关的全部健康风险对于制定公共卫生政策以及保护后代免受电子烟潜在长期影响至关重要。
