It is already known that PFAS can influence antibody formation after vaccination. However, the current study goes one step further by also investigating the cellular immune response, which is crucial for protection against severe courses of the disease, for the first time. To do this, the researchers used blood samples from vaccinated and recovered individuals. The immune cells contained in these samples were exposed to different PFAS concentrations in the laboratory and then compared with components of SARS-CoV-2. This showed that certain immune cells released more pro-inflammatory messenger substances after PFAS exposure, particularly in the male study participants. In contrast, a decrease in B cells, which play a central role in the formation of antibodies, was observed in the female participants. The release of other important messenger substances was also reduced in both groups. The results suggest that high PFAS exposure can weaken the immune defence and influence the effectiveness of vaccinations. Individualised vaccination strategies could be a possible response to this risk.
Press release of the "UFZ" from 08.05.2025
