Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

10.6K

Early life exposure to air pollution and cell-mediated immune responses in preschoolers

Yan-Ling Deng1, Jia-Qiang Liao2, Bin Zhou3

  • 1Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.

Chemosphere
|August 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal and postnatal exposure to air pollution impacts preschoolers' immune systems, with effects varying by exposure timing and child's sex. This research highlights critical windows for air pollution's influence on developing immune function.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Air pollution exposure is linked to immune dysfunction in adults.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding air pollution's impact on early-life immune development.
  • This study addresses the effects of prenatal and postnatal air pollution on preschooler immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal and postnatal air pollution exposure and cell-mediated immune function in preschoolers.
  • To identify critical windows of exposure during early development.
  • To explore potential sex-specific differences in immune responses.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 391 preschoolers from a mother-child cohort in Wuhan, China.
  • Utilized a land use regression (LUR) model to estimate exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 during pregnancy and early childhood.
  • Assessed cell-mediated immunity through peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and plasma cytokines.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 in early pregnancy was linked to decreased CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ cells.
  • Late prenatal exposure showed a positive association with CD3+ cells.
  • Postnatal exposures were positively associated with increased levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and TNF-α.
  • Immune response variations were observed based on the child's sex.

Conclusions:

  • Air pollution exposure during different developmental stages in early life differentially affects cellular immune responses.
  • The observed effects of air pollution on immune function appear to be sex-specific.
  • Findings underscore the importance of mitigating air pollution exposure during critical prenatal and postnatal periods.
Abstract

Keywords:
Air pollutionCytokinesImmune functionPostnatalPrenatalT lymphocyte subsets

More Related Videos

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters05:18

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters

Published on: July 12, 2024

477
Culturing of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells at the Air Liquid Interface10:38

Culturing of Human Nasal Epithelial Cells at the Air Liquid Interface

Published on: October 8, 2013

37.6K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
526
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview
29.3K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
3.3K
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
2.9K
Types of Toxins01:36

Types of Toxins

Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
2.6K