Immune Tolerance Dysfunction in Pregnancy Due to Ambient Air Pollution Exposure

Immune Tolerance Dysfunction in Pregnancy Due to Ambient Air Pollution

The purpose of this project is to study the effects of air pollution toxicants on pregnant mothers' immune health during and after pregnancy.

Using already collected samples, this study proposes to evaluate changes in immune function in response to air pollution with the use of innovative technologies, to identify the drivers of immune dysfunction and potential modifiable factors, and to determine how these immune findings are associated with pollution exposure and outcomes of disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women: at 18-25 weeks gestation at time of eligibility screening and baseline visit

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having smoked more than 50 cigarettes during pregnancy
• A history of autoimmune diseases, HIV or cancer