Guardians under Siege: Exploring Pollution's Effects on Human Immunity

Abstract

Chemical pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with detrimental effects on various physiological systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, mental, and perinatal domains. While the impact of pollution on these systems has been extensively studied, the intricate relationship between chemical pollution and immunity remains a critical area of investigation. The focus of this study is to elucidate the relationship between chemical pollution and human immunity. To accomplish this task, this study presents a comprehensive review that encompasses in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, shedding light on the ways in which chemical pollution can modulate human immunity. Our aim is to unveil the complex mechanisms by which environmental contaminants compromise the delicate balance of the body's defense systems going beyond the well-established associations with defense systems and delving into the less-explored link between chemical exposure and various immune disorders, adding urgency to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their implications for public health.

Keywords: developmental toxicology; environmental pollutant; immunomodulation; innate and adaptive immunity; pregnancy.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the structure of the review.

Figure 2

Schematic representation of the data obtained by in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies on the effects of the main classes of environmental pollutants on immune response.