Early-life PFAS exposure and children's immune defenses
Developmental immunotoxicity of PFAS
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11286822
This project looks at whether being exposed to common PFAS chemicals before birth or in early life weakens antibody defenses against breathing viruses like the flu in children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11286822 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If my child was exposed to PFAS before birth or early in life, researchers will model that early exposure and then expose the offspring to influenza A virus to watch immune responses. They will track the immune helper cells that guide antibody production (T follicular helper cells), germinal center B cells, and plasma cells, and measure virus-specific antibody levels over time using multidimensional flow cytometry. The team will compare primary and memory (anamnestic) antibody responses to see if fewer helper cells explain weaker antibody protection. The goal is to pinpoint the cellular steps by which developmental PFAS exposure could reduce protection from respiratory viruses or vaccines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Families of infants or children with known prenatal or early-life PFAS exposure or those concerned about such exposure would be most relevant to follow this research and future related studies.
Not a fit: Adults without a history of prenatal or early-life PFAS exposure are less likely to get direct benefit from the specific findings of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could explain why early PFAS exposure may lower vaccine or infection protection and point to ways to reduce that risk for children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human and animal studies have linked PFAS exposure with altered antibody levels, but detailed cellular mechanisms—especially effects on T follicular helper cells—are largely novel and not yet well established.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAWRENCE, B PAIGE — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: LAWRENCE, B PAIGE
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Airway infections