H5N1 Vaccine-Specific B Cell Responses in Ferrets Primed with Live Attenuated Seasonal Influenza Vaccines
2009

H5N1 Vaccine Responses in Ferrets Primed with Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cheng Xing, Eisenbraun Michael, Xu Qi, Zhou Helen, Kulkarni Deepali, Subbarao Kanta, Kemble George, Jin Hong

Primary Institution: MedImmune, Mountain View, California, United States of America

Hypothesis

Does preexisting influenza immunity affect the immune response to H5N1 vaccines in ferrets?

Conclusion

Previous vaccination with seasonal influenza vaccines may accelerate the onset of immunity to H5N1 vaccines.

Supporting Evidence

  • Ferrets previously vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccines showed faster B cell responses to H5N1 vaccines.
  • H5N1 vaccine responses were significantly higher in ferrets primed with trivalent live attenuated influenza vaccines.
  • Previous exposure to H1N1 vaccines enhanced the immune response to H5N1 vaccines.

Takeaway

If you've had a flu shot before, it might help your body respond faster to a new H5N1 vaccine, which is important for fighting off flu outbreaks.

Methodology

The study used a B cell ELISpot assay to measure immune responses in ferrets vaccinated with H5N1 vaccines after being primed with seasonal influenza vaccines.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on ferrets, which may not fully represent human responses.

Participant Demographics

Ferrets aged 7 to 10 weeks were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004436

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