91 The Effect of Pesticide Exposure on Immunological Responses in Children Against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Objectives/Goals: To assess the effect on the immune response to COVID-19 in children exposed to pesticides. The hypothesis is that increased pesticide exposure results in different immunological response to COVID-19. The goal of the proposal is to improve scientific knowledge on factors affecting COVID-19 and identify a modifiable factor to reduce these disparities. Methods/Study Population: A cross-sectional analysis of children (aged 5–17 years) with asthma to assess pesticide exposure and immune markers of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination was determined with blood exposome RNA analyses assessed from blood samples taken at baseline. Immunological response was measured using neutralizing, phagocytizing, and NK-activating antibody responses biomarkers using plasma antibody isotyping, effector functions, T-cell activation-induced marker (AIM), and recall cytokine secretion assays on lysed, whole blood. Pesticide exposure was assessed as concentration of four urinary metabolites in a spot urine sample adjusted for creatinine. Unadjusted regression models were created to assess the effect of 3-phenoxy benzoic acid, a common pyrethroid pesticide, on immune markers. Results/Anticipated Results: Children’s (N = 30) average age was 10 years (interquartile range: 8–11) A majority of children were male (63%) and Non-Hispanic Black (73%). The majority of children had markers of SARS-CoV-2 infection (77%). Of the 4 pesticide metabolites assessed, only 3-PBA was commonly found (77% of samples > LOQ). Higher urinary concentrations of 3-PBA are associated with a significant (p Discussion/Significance of Impact: Significant associations in cytokine and inflammatory marker may indicate a Th2-skewed response, and dysregulated cytokine responses can lead to severe disease. A suggested increase in T-cell activation markers (e.g., CD4, CD8) may indicate potential exhaustion if excessively activated.