impact of aluminum exposure on the immune system: a mini review

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2013 Jan;35(1):82-7. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2012.11.009. Epub 2012 Nov 26.

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) is widely used in daily life and will lead to environmental release and exposure. The toxicity of Al had been documented, and which attracted a growing concern on human and animal health. The immune system appears to be sensitive to Al exposure. But few studies focused on the potential immunological responses induced by Al. It is imperative to study the effects of Al on the immune function and this review discusses the effects of Al on autoimmunity, oral tolerance, expression of the immune cells, hypersensitivity and erythrocyte immune function. It will provide evidence to study the association between Al and immune function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity / drug effects
  • CD4 Antigens / immunology
  • CD8 Antigens / immunology
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Erythrocytes / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / etiology
  • Immune Tolerance / drug effects

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • CD8 Antigens
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Aluminum