The Wages of Original Antigenic Sin
2010
The Wages of Original Antigenic Sin
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): David M. Morens, Donald S. Burke, Scott B. Halstead
Primary Institution: National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
Does original antigenic sin affect the incidence and severity of influenza infections?
Conclusion
Original antigenic sin may influence immune responses to influenza viruses, affecting disease incidence and vaccine efficacy.
Supporting Evidence
- Original antigenic sin may lead to lower immune responses to new influenza strains.
- Older individuals may have better immunity due to previous exposures to influenza viruses.
- Public health responses need to consider the effects of original antigenic sin on disease incidence.
Takeaway
Original antigenic sin is when our immune system remembers old viruses better than new ones, which can make it harder to fight off new infections.
Limitations
Conclusive evidence in humans regarding original antigenic sin is lacking.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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