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Influence of cytokine gene variations on immunization to childhood vaccines

Berran Yucesoy1, Victor J Johnson, Kara Fluharty

  • 1Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, CDC/NIOSH, Morgantown, WV 26505-2888, United States. byucesoy@cdc.gov

Vaccine
|October 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in cytokine genes influence infant immune responses to childhood vaccines like hepatitis B, pneumococcal, and DTaP. Specific gene polymorphisms are linked to antibody levels, potentially affecting vaccine efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Vaccine-induced immune responses can vary significantly between individuals.
  • Genetic factors, particularly polymorphisms in cytokine and cytokine receptor genes, are implicated in modulating immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cytokine and cytokine receptor gene polymorphisms and immune responses to routine childhood vaccinations.
  • To determine if specific genetic variations influence antibody production and immunoglobulin levels post-vaccination in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of cytokine and cytokine receptor genes using 5' nuclease PCR assay in 141 infants.
  • Measurement of total, isotypic, and antigen-specific serum antibody levels post-vaccination using multiplex immunoassays.
  • Analysis of associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and vaccine-specific immune responses and immunoglobulin levels.

Main Results:

  • Significant associations were found between SNPs in TNFalpha, IL-12B, IL-4Ralpha, and IL-10 genes and vaccine-specific immune responses.
  • SNPs in IL-1beta, TNFalpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-4Ralpha, and IL-12B genes correlated with variations in serum immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM) and IgG subclasses.
  • p-values <0.05 indicated statistically significant associations.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic variations in cytokine-related genes play a role in shaping infant immune responses to vaccinations.
  • These genetic influences on immune response may impact overall vaccine efficacy in pediatric populations.
  • Further research into genetic determinants of vaccine response can inform personalized vaccination strategies.

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