Changes in NK Cell Activation and Cytokine Levels During Influenza Infection
Author Information
Author(s): Jost Stephanie, Quillay Heloise, Reardon Jeff, Peterson Eric, Simmons Rachel P., Parry Blair A., Bryant Nancy N. P., Binder William D., Altfeld Marcus
Primary Institution: Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard
Hypothesis
How do NK cell responses and cytokine levels change during acute influenza infection and vaccination?
Conclusion
The study found that acute influenza infection leads to decreased NK cell numbers and altered cytokine levels, while vaccination increases NK cell activation.
Supporting Evidence
- Influenza infection was associated with a decrease in peripheral blood NK cells.
- Vaccination led to an increase in CD25+ NK cells.
- Acute influenza infection resulted in low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- CD56bright NK cells were particularly affected by influenza infection.
- Influenza vaccination increased NK cell activation markers.
- Patients with pandemic H1N1 showed different NK cell responses compared to seasonal influenza.
Takeaway
When people get the flu, some special immune cells called NK cells decrease in number, but when they get vaccinated, those cells increase and become more active.
Methodology
The study analyzed blood samples from individuals with acute influenza and those vaccinated against influenza, measuring NK cell numbers and cytokine levels.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of study subjects and the timing of sample collection.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific population and may not generalize to all individuals.
Participant Demographics
30 individuals with acute influenza symptoms, median age 32 years, 14 women and 16 men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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