Pre-existing Immune Cells Could Help Predict Flu Symptoms, Study Finds

A recent study suggests that predicting an individual’s likelihood of developing symptoms after an influenza infection could be more accurately achieved by assessing immune cells rather than relying solely on antibody levels. Researchers from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Department of Host-Microbe Interactions have made significant strides in understanding why some people get sick from infections while others don’t.

Published in the journal Nature Immunology, the study found a strong correlation between the diversity of immune cells and protection against flu symptoms. The researchers identified these immune cells by comparing blood samples from individuals who displayed flu symptoms, those who were asymptomatic, and those who remained uninfected. Intriguingly, blood samples taken up to six months before the flu season revealed distinct sets of immune cells in these groups.

Individuals who didn’t experience symptoms not only exhibited a more diverse array of immune cells but also possessed cells linked to a specific and lasting immune response against influenza, often referred to as the memory response. On the other hand, those with flu symptoms tended to have more uniform sets of inflammatory immune cells, associated with a less effective, short-term response.

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Moreover, the study demonstrated that individuals who received the flu vaccine generally had higher levels of protective anti-flu immune cells, improving their chances of avoiding symptoms. Interestingly, a select group of unvaccinated individuals who remained symptom-free displayed immune cells that mirrored the functions of the protective cells found in vaccinated individuals. This observation may help explain why some unvaccinated people are less affected by the flu than others, although it still underscores the importance of vaccination as the best strategy for symptom prevention.

To promote flu vaccine uptake, the study underscores the value of accurately assessing the inherent risk associated with remaining unvaccinated. In conclusion, the study reinforces the significance of annual flu vaccination in preventing influenza symptoms and highlights the increased levels of specific immune cells associated with this protection. Researchers and healthcare experts strongly advocate getting the annual flu vaccine as a crucial preventive measure.