Complement activation by carbon nanotubes and its influence on the phagocytosis and cytokine response by macrophages

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are recognized by the innate immune system, especially by the classical pathway of the complement system. Complement activation is usually associated with a pro-inflammatory response. Here, we show that complement deposition on CMC- and RNA-CNTs can enhance their uptake by phagocytes, which in turn, leads to dampening of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. It appears that CNT-mediated complement activation may cause recruitment of cellular infiltration, followed by enhanced phagocytosis and suppression of cytokine storm.141