Effects of TSST on immune biomarkers separated by distinct genotypes

Abstract

Multiple studies report immune imbalances occurring with stress but there are significant individual differences. We explored whether Single Nucleotides Polymorphisms (SNPs) of stress hormone receptors could be used to categorize individual changes in immune biomarkers after laboratory stress (TSST) exposure. 32 normal volunteers completed TSST. Blood was collected before (baseline), immediately, 1, 2, 6 and 24 h after task completion. Immune profiles (IFNg, IL-4, Treg) were determined by flow cytometry. Stress hormone and cytokine receptor SNPs (Glucocorticoid Receptor -Bcl1, B2 Adrenergic R receptor -Gly16Arg and IL4 Receptor-Ile50Val) were determined by real-time PCR. Log2 transformation were applied to the outcomes of immune-biomarkers. Stress response of individuals with wild type (WT) alleles were compared to individuals with the Non-WT (NWT) alleles for each receptor. Geometric mean (GM) ratios (GMR) are derived from WT/NWT differences at each time point.For Ile50Val, GM of NWT IFNg was 1.58 times higher than WT 2 h post intervention (PI). For Bcl1 GM of NWT Treg was 1.98 times higher than WT at 24 h PI. For Gly16Arg, NWT GM IL4 was 0.66 times lower than WT at 1 h PI. These data suggest that genotypic (SNP) differences may have utility as biomarkers to differentiate different immune profiles after an acute laboratory stressor.