Initial approaches to evaluate the immunomodulation of PFOS using Parhyale hawaiensis as a model

• Grant number: 24/20219-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Biological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Gisela de Aragão Umbuzeiro
• Grantee: Ana Julia de Oliveira Gotto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Tecnologia (FT). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Limeira , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/10693-5 - Expanding Parhyale hawaiensis as a model in ecotoxicology: from the lab to the field, AP.R

Abstract

Immunotoxicology studies using invertebrate organisms is an expanding field of research, due to the need to develop new methodological approaches that aim to replace tests with vertebrates. These organisms have an innate immune system, which is characterized by hemocytes with essential activities for defending against chemical compounds. The marine amphipod Parhyale hawaiensis has been established as an important model in the ecotoxicological studies due to its ease of handling and sensitivity to different contaminants. For its application in the field of immunotoxicology, it is necessary to establish a protocol to evaluate the responses of this test organism when exposed to chemical compounds. PFAS are a class of synthetic compounds that have been produced for decades. One of the most studied is perfluorooctanosulfonate acid (PFOS), due to its high bioaccumulation capacity, resistance to biodegradation and toxicity. This compound, which is known to modulate immune responses, will be used as a proof of concept. The aim of this study is to establish total haemocyte count (THC) reference values for males and females, standardize a protocol that assesses the stability of the haemocyte lysosomal membrane using neutral red (VN) and apply these two parameters to verify responses in adult organisms exposed to different concentrations of PFOS in the exposure medium. The internal concentration of PFOS will be also determined using an established protocol. As a result, we expect to develop an initial approach to establish an immunotoxicity testing platform using Parhyale hawaiensis.