Systems Biology of Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV) in Young and Elderly

Study Summary

Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing infectious diseases. Despite the success of vaccines in general, vaccines induce diminished antibody responses and lower protection in the elderly in particular. This could be explained by a defect in the early responses of an ageing immune system. A better understanding of the basic immunological mechanisms that mediate vaccine efficacy is incomplete. Such information is critical and could greatly decrease both the cost and the time to new vaccine development particularly for the geriatric population. In this trial, the investigators will study the immunologic differences of an FDA approved licensed influenza vaccine between a younger and an older group. Twenty two healthy volunteers between the age of 25-40 and forty four healthy volunteers above the age of 65 will be enrolled in the study. Each participant in the study will be given one flu shot. Blood work will be obtained prior to vaccination, one day, three days, seven days, fourteen days, as well as one month and six months after vaccination. Throughout the duration of the study, the participants will be monitored for safety.

Primary Outcome

The number of subjects with a change in innate immunity signatures correlating with the level of antibodies was recorded. The innate immune signatures were assessed by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)/Luminex assays. The levels of antibodies to the influenza virus prior to TIV (trivalent influenza vaccine) administration and on Day 180 after receiving TIV was assessed and the number of subjects who exhibited an increase in the antibodies and, therefore, a change in their innate immune

Interventions

• BIOLOGICAL trivalent Influenza vaccine (TIV)