Predictive biomarkers for a poor immune response to influenza vaccination in elderly individuals

About this project

Elderly individuals have the highest risk of severe influenza infection, but –tragically- also the highest risk of a poor immune response to influenza vaccination. Together with the CRC Core Facility (C. Schindler), the CRC Biobank (T. Illig), and the HZI Dept. of Vaccinology (C. Guzman) we have been searching for biomarkers and individual risk factors for a poor immune response to influenza vaccination in individuals older than 65 years. In the years 2014-16, we performed a pilot study (n=34) and a main study (n=200) with participants from Hannover Region. The resulting dual data set now allows biostatistical identification and initial validation of biomarker candidates. Thus far, we have identified two cytokines (IL-8 and IL-18) whose plasma concentrations, in both studies, are lower in the vaccine-nonresponders than in the responders. These results are particularly interesting because they suggest that low concentrations of these molecules could serve as warning signals for a poor vaccine response, but also that raising their levels in individuals with low levels (for instance by injection with the vaccine) may improve the vaccine response.