Enhanced IFN-g production after vaccination

What is it about?

The result of this paper suggests that a type of innate cell called natural killer cell, can be potentiated post vaccination through enhancement of a cytokine named IFN-g after vaccination in people infected with human cytomegalovirus. This effect was proven using two different vaccines, namely, trivalent influenza vaccine and conjugated diphtheria tetanus pertussis and polio vaccine. It was also observed that there was significant variation in immune responses between Gambian and UK donors after been given the same type of vaccine. Furthermore, this paper confirms the high prevalence of herpes viruses such as human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in The Gambia (West Africa) and these infections were acquired early in life.

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Why is it important?

The data suggest that we can enhance innate cell (natural killer cell) immune function by vaccination. This knowledge can further help in designing and developing better efficacious vaccine through the enhancement of this innate cell.