The Spleen as an Immune Target
The spleen is a primary lymphoid organ that filters blood, generates immune responses to blood-borne antigens, and stores immune cells. PFAS accumulate in splenic tissue and disrupt normal immune cell populations and function.
Splenic PFAS Accumulation
PFAS have been detected in spleen tissue in autopsy studies of occupationally exposed individuals. Splenic PFAS concentrations correlate with serum PFAS levels, with the spleen serving as a depot that sustains immune cell exposure.
Lymphocyte Population Effects
PFAS alter splenic lymphocyte populations, reducing regulatory T cells and natural killer cells while promoting pro-inflammatory effector T-cell subsets. These changes may contribute to both autoimmune susceptibility and impaired anti-tumor immunity in PFAS-exposed individuals.
Clinical Relevance
Splenic PFAS-induced immune dysregulation may explain increased infection susceptibility and autoimmune disease rates in PFAS-contaminated communities. Immunologists evaluating unexplained immune abnormalities should consider PFAS body burden testing as part of environmental immune assessments.