How exposure to certain chemicals affects the immune response to respiratory viruses in developing organisms
Official title: Developmental immunotoxicity of PFAS
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11080260 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals called PFAS while growing up might affect your immune system's ability to fight off respiratory viruses like the flu, focusing on how these chemicals impact important immune cells that help make antibodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $591,295 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES036197-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080260 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to PFAS during development, particularly those with respiratory infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to PFAS or do not have respiratory infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of developmental exposure to a mixture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the immune system's ability to respond to respiratory viruses, particularly influenza A. The study aims to understand how these chemicals disrupt the function of T follicular helper cells, which are essential for producing antibodies and maintaining immune memory. By using advanced techniques like multidimensional flow cytometry, researchers will track the immune responses over time in subjects exposed to PFAS. The findings could clarify the cellular mechanisms behind altered immune responses in individuals exposed to these substances during development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and strategies for enhancing immune responses in individuals affected by PFAS exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While there is evidence that PFAS affect immune responses, this specific investigation into the cellular mechanisms is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
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.