France - Institut Pasteur de Lille

The PolluInf project, supported by the Air Liquide Foundation and led by the team, focuses on alterations to the pulmonary immune system linked to exposure to PM2.5, making the host more vulnerable to bacterial infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The aim of the project is to identify host susceptibility factors and propose immunomodulatory approaches aimed at restoring a competent immune response to fight pathogens effectively. Our work focuses in particular on IL-20 cytokines, which play an essential role in anti-bacterial defenses.

PolluInf: study of the impact of fine particles in air pollution on the most vulnerable people

As exposure to air pollution, and to PM2.5 in particular, favors the occurrence of pulmonary infections, by disrupting lung homeostasis, the PolluInf project aims to explore the effects of PM2.5 on the pulmonary immune system, in particular IL-20 cytokines, and to identify key factors involved in anti-infectious mechanisms that are altered by PM. 

Thus, our objectives are (1) to assess the impact of PM2.5 exposure on the host pulmonary immune response, with a focus on IL-20 cytokines, (2) to evaluate the role of these factors in the response to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, and finally (3) to verify the relevance of these markers in cohorts of either the general population or patients with chronic pulmonary pathology.

The PolluInf project combines in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo approaches for in-depth understanding. In particular, it relies on the use of so-called "alternative" approaches, i.e. organotypic sections and lung organoids.

Impact and scope of the PolluInf project

In addition to the significant scientific advances that the PolluInf project will bring to the scientific community (discovery of new mechanisms, potential therapeutic targets), this project also aims to have an impact on public health (reducing the incidence and severity of respiratory infections caused by air pollution, by proposing effective preventive and therapeutic measures). The data obtained could be used to develop recommendations for public policy (obtaining solid data to recommend public policies aimed at reducing air pollution, thereby improving air quality and respiratory health),

The PolluInf project should enable the development of innovative solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution on pulmonary immune mechanisms and reduce pollution-related health costs.