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Genetic variants within the MHC region are associated with immune responsiveness to childhood vaccinations

Berran Yucesoy1, Yerkebulan Talzhanov, Victor J Johnson

  • 1Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, CDC/NIOSH, Morgantown, WV, USA.

Vaccine
|October 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) influence immune responses to childhood vaccines. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) impact antibody levels, potentially affecting vaccine efficacy in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a crucial role in immune regulation.
  • Understanding genetic influences on vaccine response is vital for public health.
  • Childhood vaccinations are essential for preventing infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MHC genetic variability and immune responses to common childhood vaccines.
  • To identify specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MHC region linked to vaccine-induced antibody levels.
  • To explore the functional implications of these genetic variations on immune gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of 135 infants using Illumina Goldengate MHC panels.
  • Measurement of total, isotypic, and antigen-specific serum antibody levels post-vaccination (HBV, PCV7, DTaP).
  • Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and linkage disequilibrium patterns within MHC Class I and II genes.

Main Results:

  • Significant associations (p<0.001) were found between MHC SNPs and variations in vaccine-specific antibody responses.
  • SNPs correlated with altered levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and IgG isotypes (IgG1, IgG4).
  • Identified SNPs regulate genes involved in antigen processing and presentation, including HLA and TAP-2.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic variations within specific MHC genes significantly influence immune responses to childhood vaccinations.
  • These genetic factors can modulate antibody production and potentially impact overall vaccine efficacy.
  • Further research into MHC genetics can inform personalized vaccination strategies.

Keywords:
CPSChildhood vaccineDTaPGenetic polymorphismHBVHBsAgHLAHibIPVIgImmune responseLDMHCMajor histocompatibility complexORPCV7PnPSSNPdiphtheria, tetanus, and pertussishaemophilus influenza type bhepatitis B virusheptavalent pneumococcal conjugatehuman leukocyte antigenimmunoglobulininactivated polio vaccinelinkage disequilibriummajor histocompatibility complexodds ratiopneumococcal cell wall polysaccharidepneumococcal polysaccharidessingle nucleotide polymorphismsurface antigen of hepatitis B virus

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