Lead at 2.5 and 5.0 μM induced aberrant MH-II surface expression through increased MII exocytosis and increased autophagosome formation in Raw 267.4 cells

► Lead (Pb), at >25 μM, increases MHC-II surface expression resulting in immune dysregulation. ► Data on exposure to environmentally relevant Pb levels in macrophages are lacking. ► Environmental Pb exposure inhibited metabolic activity and increased MHC-II surface expression. ► Environmental Pb exposure induced autophagy, and increased MHC-II trafficking, a novel finding. ► Pb exposure is a novel mechanism in which macrophages may enhance self-antigen expression.