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Review
. 2022 Sep;9(3):477-489.
doi: 10.1007/s40572-022-00353-9. Epub 2022 Jun 1.

Epigenetics at the Intersection of COVID-19 Risk and Environmental Chemical Exposures

Catherine M Bulka  1 , Adam E Enggasser  1   2 , Rebecca C Fry  3   4   5
Affiliations
Review

Epigenetics at the Intersection of COVID-19 Risk and Environmental Chemical Exposures

Catherine M Bulka et al. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Several environmental contaminants have been implicated as contributors to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Immunomodulation and epigenetic regulation have been hypothesized as mediators of this relationship, but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms are not well-characterized. This review examines the evidence for epigenetic modification at the intersection of COVID-19 and environmental chemical exposures.

Recent findings: Numerous environmental contaminants including air pollutants, toxic metal(loid)s, per- and polyfluorinated substances, and endocrine disrupting chemicals are hypothesized to increase susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the risk of severe COVID-19, but few studies currently exist. Drawing on evidence that many environmental chemicals alter the epigenetic regulation of key immunity genes and pathways, we discuss how exposures likely perturb host antiviral responses. Specific mechanisms vary by contaminant but include general immunomodulation as well as regulation of viral entry and recognition, inflammation, and immunologic memory pathways, among others. Associations between environmental contaminants and COVID-19 are likely mediated, in part, by epigenetic regulation of key immune pathways involved in the host response to SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: COVID-19; Environmental chemicals; Epigenetics; Immune system; Infectious disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Visual framework for how associations between environmental contaminants and COVID-19 may be mediated by epigenetic regulation of immune pathways, with a specific focus on DNA methylation and microRNAs. Abbreviations: PFAS = per- and polyfluorinated substances; EDCs = endocrine disrupting chemicals; miRNAs = microRNAs
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