Addressing the immunotoxic effect of environmental pollutants: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluoro hexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) are a widespread class of man-made persistent, mobile and bioaccumulating pollutants that have been detected in humans, wildlife, and the environment.

PFAS are high-risk chemicals causing detrimental health effects and have been linked to many metabolic, developmental, and immunological alterations.

Among immunological alterations, PFAS has been associated with intestinal inflammatory diseases and poor responses to COVID-19 vaccination.

Our recent FORMAS-supported findings indicate that PFOS disrupts the intestinal barrier function leading to exacerbated inflammation (Diaz et al., DMM, 2021).

However, how PFAS affects immune responses that may lead to immune-mediated diseases and poor response to vaccination is yet to be fully understood.

Here, using experimental models and systems immunology approaches, we will follow up on our studies to understand the immunotoxic effects of PFAS in intestinal autoimmune diseases and vaccine outcomes.

This research will drive novel insights on the role of environmental factors in the etiology of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and response to vaccines and will provide much-needed knowledge to enable citizens and policymakers to make informed decisions to protect the society at risk of high PFAS exposure.