NON-PROTECTED. The impact of perfluorinated toxicants and the gut microbiome on vaccine responses in children.
Project
|Updated
The project will investigate whether PFAS, even at lower levels, is of importance for the vaccine response, as well as investigating the role of the gut microbiota for vaccine responses.
Summary
Vaccination programs are one of the greatest successes of medicine, but may now be threatened due to the effects of environmental toxicants on the immune system. A study from the Faroe Islands showed that exposure to the environmental toxicants perfluoralkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), substances found in Gortex, Teflon, water repellent paper and more, were related to children’s antibody response to vaccines. Children exposed to the highest levels of toxicants had a risk that the response was so poor that the vaccines would not provide full protection.
Other factors in modern life, such as Caesarean section and antibiotics, are of concern as it changes the composition of the gut microbiota and reduces diversity. An early encounter with certain bacteria is considered crucial for a well-functioning immune system.
The main purpose of this research project is to investigate whether PFAS, even at lower levels, is of importance for the vaccine response, as well as investigating the role of the gut microbiota for vaccine responses.
Project leader
Nina Louise Torcelino-Iszatt, Avdeling for miljø og helse, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Project participants
Merete Åse Eggesbø, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Audun Aase, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Johanna Eva Bodin, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Berit Brunstad Granum, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Line Småstuen Haug, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Hein Stigum, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Cathrine Thomsen, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Gro Tunheim, Norwegian Institute of Public Health
Start
01.03.2018
End
28.02.2022
Status
Concluded
Financing
NFR
Project owner/ Project manager
Norwegian Institute of Public Health