Abstract
Previous studies have shown that repeated influenza vaccination can enhance susceptibility to subsequent infection with a drifted influenza virus strain. This paper seeks to further understanding of the interactions between influenza viruses and specific immune cells that accompany this phenomenon. The paper argues that repeated vaccination increases susceptibility to infection only in the context of a residual immunity induced by prior vaccination or infection. The results of computational analysis indicate that this is a dynamic consequence of interactions between vaccines, influenza viruses and specific immune cells. In particular, mathematical modelling was used to show that in the presence of residual immunity conferred by a vaccine administered in Canada in the 2013–2014 influenza season, the 2014–2015 season vaccine enhanced susceptibility to infection. Such infection enhancement occurs when the 2014–2015 vaccine boosts suppressive T-regulatory cells induced by the 2013–2014 vaccine, decreasing the strength of antibody responses to the infecting strain. Overall, the study suggests probable characteristics of infecting viruses and vaccines that make repeated influenza infections and vaccinations detrimental.
Highlights
The human immune response to infections is a complex system in which a series of mechanisms are instantiated to react to antigens
The results of the study suggest that individuals with single vaccination are less susceptible to infections during the epidemic compared with those who receive repeated vaccination with residual immunity gained from first vaccination
It has been shown that the higher effective Abs produced to react to the epidemic infection make the immune response more effective in single prior vaccination and infection
Summary
The human immune response to infections is a complex system in which a series of mechanisms are instantiated to react to antigens. Previous exposures of the immune system to antigens facilitate prompt responses to future infections with the same antigens. The body accomplishes this by using immunological memory cells derived from the previous exposures to the antigens. Besides direct natural infections from disease causing organisms resulting in what is termed as natural immunity, vaccinations intended to stimulate specific immune responses are means royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rsos R.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
