Evaluating Immune Imprinting in the Context of Influenza Virus Infections
University of Pennsylvania
Summary
Cellular and humoral immune responses in individuals with active influenza infection will be assessed. Each year, up to 50 participants will be enrolled. The investigators hypothesize that influenza infection will elicit mostly memory immune responses rather than de novo immune responses to infection.
Description
Using samples collected from individuals after influenza virus vaccination, the investigators have shown that immune cells primed by previous influenza exposures are recruited to produce antibodies against newer viral strains. The investigators previous work indicate that the majority of the immune cells that respond to influenza vaccination are from the memory compartment, suggesting that 'immune imprinting' greatly affects the specificity of antibodies elicited by influenza vaccines. It remains less clear how prior influenza virus exposures impact immunity elicited by influenza virus infecti…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form 2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study 3. Aged 18 years and older 4. Influenza positive test result performed within the University of Pennsylvania Health System Exclusion Criteria: 1. Known latex allergy 2. Immunosuppression as a result of an underlying illness or treatment with immunosuppressive or cytotoxic drugs, or use of anticancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the preceding 36 months 3. Pregnancy due to the volume of blood collected i…
Interventions
- Otherinfluenza virus infection
Participants with active influenza virus infection will be enrolled in this study.
Location
- Penn Presbyterian Medical CenterPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania