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Nanoscience as a key enabling technology will be fundamental to address several of the current global challenges. Developing safe and sustainable solutions requires high quality data and appropriate analysis approaches. Therefore, implementation of the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability and Reusability (FAIR) principles within the nanosafety community is key to achieve this and the main goal of the AdvancedNano GO FAIR Implementation Network. Here we highlight the activities of the network to support the nanosafety community in achieving this goal under the overarching aim of maximizing both safe and sustainable application of nano- and advanced materials., In addition to the EU funding listed, the following funders are acknowledged; co-funding for the UK contribution to PARC via Innovate UK project ID 1752317 as part of the Horizon Europe Guarantee fund; national funding, including from the Swedish Fund for Research without Animals (Grant No. F2021-0005; Co-author PN) and from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency's Production for the Future program (SmartCERIALS, Grant No. 890610; Co-author MH).

OnTuesday, 9th Nov 2021, the NanoCommons team, in a joint initiative with the NanoSafety Cluster, offered an online webinar on the use of their Nanoinformatics data services & toolsaccessible via the NanoCommons Infrastructure and Knowledge Base (NC KB). Hosts: Christine Balmer, UKCEH, UK, Beatriz Alfaro-Serrano, BNN, AT, Martin Himly, PLUS, AT, Chair of NanoSafety Cluster WG-A on Education, Training, and Communication The H2020 research e-infrastructure projectNanoCommonsis fostering collaborative research by trying to bring the nanosafety community together to work hands-on on the establishment of ways to make data and software platforms, developed in the different projects, to talk to each other. In order to give this a major push, we organised a workshop where, first, different organisations, that have already applied for Transnational Access (TA) projects with NanoCommons, reported about their experiences. This was followed by presentations on how the learnings from these projects resulted in collaboration and interoperability concepts, which could be extended to span across different tools and platforms, and on the upcoming training activities of NanoCommons and other possible follow-ups to this workshop. This workshop showcased how NanoCommons could support all of you, individually and as a group, as independent data harmoniser, platform harmoniser (e.g. through joint APIs, containerisation solutions, etc.) and overall data/metadata consultant not creating new tools or replacing existing solutions but to bring all these closer together so that they can be combined into integrated workflows. This could be based on common metadata and data standards, linking of data warehouses, workflow tools (KNIME, Jupyter) and deployment options to combine different services with complementary features. This could also be supplemented by ways of collaborative dissemination of the results from the projects and knowledge sharing like common service catalogues, training and knowledge platforms and the shared usage of applications like electronic lab notebooks. These are just some first thought-starters but of course we are open to hearing your needs and even more important things you could / would like to bring in. Attached here you find the pdf of the entire webinar slide set. The webinar recording is amongst others available online at the NanoCommons YouTube channel, for a direct link to the recordings of this event click here. Furthermore, you find additional information on related trainings at the NanoCommons Infrastructure, in the NanoCommons Customer Guidance Handbook, and at the ELIXIR TeSS channel of NanoCommons.

Background Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a cytokine that exerts immunosuppressive functions, as reflected by its ability to induce regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation and inhibit Th1 and Th2 responses. Hence, peptides that mimic the active core domain of TGFβ1 may be promising candidates for modulation of the allergic response. This study aimed to investigate a synthetic TGFβ1 mimetic peptide (TGFβ1‐mim) for its ability to modulate the immune response during allergic sensitization to grass pollen allergens. Methods The in vitro action of TGFβ1‐mim was evaluated in human lung epithelial cells, Jurkat cells, and rat basophilic leukemia cells. The in vivo action was evaluated in a murine model of Phl p 5 allergic sensitization. Additionally, the Th2 modulatory response was evaluated in IL‐4 reporter mice. Results In vitro, TGFβ1‐mim downregulated TNF‐α production, IL‐8 gene expression, and cytokine secretion, upregulated IL‐10 secretion, and inhibited Phl p 5‐induced basophil degranulation. During Phl p 5 sensitization in mice, TGFβ1‐mim downregulated IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, and IFN‐γ, upregulated IL‐10, and induced Treg cell production. Furthermore, mice treated with TGFβ1‐mim had lower levels of IgE, IgG1, IgG2a and higher levels of IgA antibodies than control mice. In a reporter mouse, the mimetic inhibited Th2 polarization. Conclusion The TGFβ1‐mim efficiently modulated various important events that exacerbate the allergic microenvironment, including the production of main cytokines that promote Th1 and Th2 differentiation, and the induction of allergen‐specific regulatory T cells, highlighting its potential use in therapeutic approaches to modulate the immune response toward environmental allergens., TGFβ1‐mim downregulated major cytokines involved in Th1 and Th2 responses in mice sensitized to Phl p 5. Treatment of mice with the mimetic during sensitization to Phl p 5 induced Treg production, suppressed specific IgE and IgG1, IgE‐mediated basophil degranulation, induced IgA antibodies and IL‐10 secretion. In an IL‐4 reporter model, TGFβ1‐mim suppressed Th2 polarization induced by grass pollen extract.

Nanomaterials have found extensive interest in the development of novel vaccines, as adjuvants and/or carriers in vaccination platforms. Conjugation of protein antigens at the particle surface by non-covalent adsorption is the most widely used approach in licensed particulate vaccines. Hence, it is essential to understand proteins’ structural integrity at the material interface in order to develop safe-by-design nanovaccines. In this study, we utilized two model proteins, the wild-type allergen Bet v 1 and its hypoallergenic fold variant (BM4), to compare SiO2 nanoparticles with Alhydrogel® as particulate systems. A set of biophysical and functional assays including circular dichroism spectroscopy and proteolytic degradation was used to examine the antigens’ structural integrity at the material interface. Conjugation of both biomolecules to the particulate systems decreased their proteolytic stability. However, we observed qualitative and quantitative differences in antigen processing concomitant with differences in their fold stability. These changes further led to an alteration in IgE epitope recognition. Here, we propose a toolbox of biophysical and functional in vitro assays for the suitability assessment of nanomaterials in the early stages of vaccine development. These tools will aid in safe-by-design innovations and allow fine-tuning the properties of nanoparticle candidates to shape a specific immune response.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) bear big hopes in nanomedicine due to their (potential) applications in tumor therapy, drug delivery or bioimaging. However, as foreign entities, such particles may be recognized by the immune system and, thus, lead to inflammation, hypersensitivity or anaphylactic shock. In addition, an overload with iron is known to cause oxidative stress. In this short review, we summarize the biological effects of such particles with a major focus on IONP-formulations used for bioimaging purposes and their effects on the human immune system. We conclude that especially the characteristics of the particles (size, shape, surface charge, coating, etc.) as well as the presence of bystander substances, such as bacterial endotoxin are important factors determining the resulting biological and immunological effects of IONPs. Further studies are needed in order to establish clear structure-activity relationships.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) bear big hopes in nanomedicine due to their (potential) applications in tumor therapy, drug delivery or bioimaging. However, as foreign entities, such particles may be recognized by the immune system and, thus, lead to inflammation, hypersensitivity or anaphylactic shock. In addition, an overload with iron is known to cause oxidative stress. In this short review, we summarize the biological effects of such particles with a major focus on IONP-formulations used for bioimaging purposes and their effects on the human immune system. We conclude that especially the characteristics of the particles (size, shape, surface charge, coating, etc.) as well as the presence of bystander substances, such as bacterial endotoxin are important factors determining the resulting biological and immunological effects of IONPs. Further studies are needed in order to establish clear structure-activity relationships. (VLID)6343543

The innate immune system evolved to detect and react against potential dangers such as bacteria, viruses, and environmental particles. The advent of modern technology has exposed innate immune cells, such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, to a relatively novel type of particulate matter, i.e., engineered nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are not inherently pathogenic, and yet cases have been described in which specific nanoparticle types can either induce innate/inflammatory responses or modulate the activity of activated innate cells. Many of these studies rely upon activation by agonists of toll-like receptors, such as lipopolysaccharide or peptidoglycan, instead of the more realistic stimulation by whole live organisms. In this review we examine and discuss the effects of nanoparticles on innate immune cells activated by live bacteria. We focus in particular on how nanoparticles may interfere with bacterial processes in the context of innate activation, and confine our scope to the effects due to particles themselves, rather than to molecules adsorbed on the particle surface. Finally, we examine the long-lasting consequences of coexposure to nanoparticles and bacteria, in terms of potential microbiome alterations and innate immune memory, and address nanoparticle-based vaccine strategies against bacterial infection.

The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases demands efficient therapeutic strategies for their mitigation. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal rather than symptomatic treatment method available for allergy. Currently, AIT is being administered using immune response modifiers or adjuvants. Adjuvants aid in the induction of a vigorous and long-lasting immune response, thereby improving the efficiency of AIT. The successful development of a novel adjuvant requires a thorough understanding of the conventional and novel adjuvants under development. Thus, this review discusses the potentials and challenges of these adjuvants and their mechanism of action. Vaccine development based on nanoparticles is a promising strategy for AIT, due to their inherent physicochemical properties, along with their ease of production and ability to stimulate innate immunity. Although nanoparticles have provided promising results as an adjuvant for AIT in in vivo studies, a deeper insight into the interaction of nanoparticle–allergen complexes with the immune system is necessary. This review focuses on the methods of harnessing the adjuvant effect of nanoparticles by detailing the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune response, which includes allergen uptake, processing, presentation, and induction of T cell differentiation.

NanoCommons is a research e-infrastructure project offering access to high quality nanoinformatics tools and services for nanotechnology and nanosafety stakeholders (academia, industry, regulators). It is user-led, offering and developing the services needed by the user community of nanotechnology, nanosafety and related fields. NanoCommons is built on 3 main pillars: joint research activities, networking activities and transnational access services, covering four categories relevant for nanosafety assessment: experimental workflows design and implementation; data processing and analysis; data visualisation and predictive toxicity; data storage and online accessibility. These services are designed to promote data FAIRness (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), a key NanoCommons goal, that can be made Open through the NanoCommons Knowledgebase. Thus, NanoCommons provides innovative solutions for data mining, harmonisation, utilisation and re-utilisation, including incorporation of a range of modelling and decision support tools that require and/or can produce organised, high-quality datasets. A number of online training tools have been developed for each of the offered services to help users chose and use the services relevant to their needs. The NanoCommons help-desk and training library shall bridge academic research with industry and regulators, as recommended by the EU NanoSafety Cluster‘s “Closer to the Market” Research Roadmap serving the Safe-by-Design concept in nanotechnology.

NanoCommons is a research e-infrastructure project offering access to high quality nanoinformatics services for nanosafety assessors in academia, industry, regulatory agencies. It is user-led, offering and developing the services needed by the user community of nanotechnology, nanosafety and related fields. NanoCommons is built on 3 main pillars: joint research activities, networking activities and transnational access services, covering four categories relevant for nanosafety assessment: experimental workflows design and implementation; data processing and analysis; data visualisation and predictive toxicity; data storage and online accessibility. These services are designed to promote data FAIRness (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), a key NanoCommons goal, that can be made Open through the NanoCommons Knowledgebase. Thus, NanoCommons provides innovative solutions for data mining, harmonisation, utilisation and re-utilisation, including incorporation of a range of modelling and decision support tools that require and/or can produce organised, high-quality datasets. A number of online training tools have been developed for each of the offered services to help users chose the services relevant to their research questions and applications. The NanoCommons infrastructure encompassing a training library shall bridge academic research with industry and regulators, as recommended by the EU NanoSafety Cluster‘s “Closer to the Market” Research Roadmap serving the Safe-by-Design concept in nanotechnology., {"references":["https://www.openaire.eu/how-to-make-your-data-fair"]}

Humans have always been in contact with natural airborne particles from many sources including biologic particulate matter (PM) which can exhibit allergenic properties. With industrialization, anthropogenic and combustion-derived particles have become a major fraction. Currently, an ever-growing number of diverse and innovative materials containing engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are being developed with great expectations in technology and medicine. Nanomaterials have entered everyday products including cosmetics, textiles, electronics, sports equipment, as well as food, and food packaging. As part of natural evolution humans have adapted to the exposure to particulate matter, aiming to protect the individual's integrity and health. At the respiratory barrier, complications can arise, when allergic sensitization and pulmonary diseases occur in response to particle exposure. Particulate matter in the form of plant pollen, dust mites feces, animal dander, but also aerosols arising from industrial processes in occupational settings including diverse mixtures thereof can exert such effects. This review article gives an overview of the allergic immune response and addresses specifically the mechanisms of particulates in the context of allergic sensitization, effector function and therapy. In regard of the first theme (i), an overview on exposure to particulates and the functionalities of the relevant immune cells involved in allergic sensitization as well as their interactions in innate and adaptive responses are described. As relevant for human disease, we aim to outline (ii) the potential effector mechanisms that lead to the aggravation of an ongoing immune deviation (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.) by inhaled particulates, including NPs. Even though adverse effects can be exerted by (nano)particles, leading to allergic sensitization, and the exacerbation of allergic symptoms, promising potential has been shown for their use in (iii) therapeutic approaches of allergic disease, for example as adjuvants. Hence, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is introduced and the role of adjuvants such as alum as well as the current understanding of their mechanisms of action is reviewed. Finally, future prospects of nanomedicines in allergy treatment are described, which involve modern platform technologies combining immunomodulatory effects at several (immuno-)functional levels. (VLID)5337718

The innate immune system evolved to detect and react against potential dangers such as bacteria, viruses, and environmental particles. The advent of modern technology has exposed innate immune cells, such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, to a relatively novel type of particulate matter, i.e., engineered nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are not inherently pathogenic, and yet cases have been described in which specific nanoparticle types can either induce innate/inflammatory responses or modulate the activity of activated innate cells. Many of these studies rely upon activation by agonists of toll-like receptors, such as lipopolysaccharide or peptidoglycan, instead of the more realistic stimulation by whole live organisms. In this review we examine and discuss the effects of nanoparticles on innate immune cells activated by live bacteria. We focus in particular on how nanoparticles may interfere with bacterial processes in the context of innate activation, and confine our scope to the effects due to particles themselves, rather than to molecules adsorbed on the particle surface. Finally, we examine the long-lasting consequences of coexposure to nanoparticles and bacteria, in terms of potential microbiome alterations and innate immune memory, and address nanoparticle-based vaccine strategies against bacterial infection.

The number of consumer products containing nanoparticles (NPs) experienced a rapid increase during the past decades. However, most studies of nanosafety have been conducted using only pure NPs produced in the laboratory, while the interactions with other ingredients in consumer products have rarely been considered so far. In the present study, we investigated such interactionswith a special focus on modern lifestyle products (MLPs) used by adolescents. An extensive survey was undertaken at different high schools all over Austria to identify MLPs that either contain NPs or that could come easily in contact with NPs from other consumer products (such as TiO2 from sunscreens). Based on the results from a survey among secondary schools students, we focused on ingredients from Henna tattoos (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphtoquinone, HNQ, and p-phenylenediamine, PPD), fragrances (butylphenyl methylpropional, known as Lilial), cosmetics and skin-care products (four different parabens). As a cellular model, we decided to use neonatal normal human dermal fibroblasts (nNHDF), since skin contact is the main route of exposure for these compounds. TiO2 NPs interacted with these compounds as evidenced by alterations in their hydrodynamic diameter observed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Combinations of TiO2 NPs with the different MLP components did not show altered cytotoxicity profiles compared to MLP components without TiO2 NPs. Nevertheless, altered cellular glutathione contents were detected after incubation of the cells with Lilial. This effect was independent of the presence of TiO2 NPs. Testing mixtures of NPs with other compounds from consumer products is an important approach to achieve a more reliable safety assessment. (VLID)5152360