How early metal exposure affects children's immune response to vaccines

Early-life metal exposures, mitochondrial heteroplasmy, and child antibody response to vaccination

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10880618

This study is looking at how being around metals like arsenic and lead when kids are young might change how well their bodies respond to vaccines, and it's for families with children from birth to age 15.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10880618 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to metals like arsenic and lead during early life influences children's immune responses to vaccinations. By studying children from birth to age 15, the researchers will measure levels of antibodies produced in response to common vaccines at various ages. The study will analyze samples from different sources, including blood and urine, to understand the impact of these environmental exposures on immune function. This research aims to fill a critical gap in knowledge regarding how early-life exposures can affect long-term health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0 to 15 years who have been exposed to environmental metals.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 15 years or have not been exposed to the metals being studied may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination strategies and public health policies that protect children from harmful environmental exposures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that early-life environmental exposures can significantly impact immune function, suggesting that this study builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.