Investigating the effects of PFAS exposure on immune health in early life
Official title: Perinatal Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) exposure and Immunotoxicity in early life
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11019816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to certain chemicals in drinking water might affect the immune health of babies and young children, especially by checking how these chemicals impact mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $497,150 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035037-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include pregnant women and their infants living in areas with known high levels of PFAS in drinking water.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have young children may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly through contaminated drinking water, affects immune health in infants and children. The study will examine the impact of maternal PFAS exposure during pregnancy and lactation on the immune response of both mothers and their offspring. Researchers will assess changes in cellular immunity and gut microbiota, as well as the transfer of antibodies from mothers to their babies through the placenta and breast milk. By analyzing these factors, the research aims to uncover the potential immunotoxic effects of PFAS exposure in early life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of immune-related health issues in children exposed to PFAS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant health risks associated with PFAS exposure, particularly regarding immune response, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng, Liping — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Feng, Liping
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.