Fig. 2

Mechanistic considerations of modulation of (developmental) immune functions by PFAS. Figure Legend: Relevant mechanisms that may underlie the observed effects on the (developmental) immune system are: i) modulation of cell signalling and nuclear receptors, such as NF-κB, PPARs and others; downstream signalling might vary due to receptor crosstalk; ii) alteration of calcium signalling and calcium homoeostasis in immune cells (having an impact on oxidative stress, inflammasome activation, nuclear receptors such as NF-κB, cytokine levels and degranulation of mast cells); iii) modulation of key cell populations necessary for an antibody response; iv) modulation of NK cells; v) modulation of mast cells and IgE influencing hypersensitivity; vi) oxidative stress and vii) impact on fatty acid metabolism and secondary effects on the immune system. Green arrows indicate induction, red arrows inhibition, grey arrows modulation in either direction and dashed lines potential modulation (with a higher degree of uncertainty)