A study published in 2015 investigated whether the length of telomeres in healthy older adults is associated with the strength of the immune response to an influenza vaccine.
To this end, 22 individuals over 70 years of age with comparatively short or long telomeres were examined. The focus was on both the antibody response following vaccination and the reaction of influenza-specific CD8⁺ T cells.
How was the study designed?
The participants were divided into two groups with comparatively shorter or longer telomeres based on their telomere length. After the influenza vaccination, the researchers examined both the antibody response and the activity of influenza-specific CD8⁺ T cells.
Additionally, it was examined whether telomere length in different immune cell types was associated with the strength of the immune response. In particular, B cells, antigen-presenting cells, and CD8⁺ T cells were the focus. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
What results were observed?
In participants with a robust antibody response to the influenza vaccine, B-cell telomeres were on average longer than in individuals with a weaker antibody response. The authors thus found a positive association between B-cell telomere length and vaccine response. PubMed Central (PMC)
Regarding influenza-specific CD8⁺ T cells, no clear difference was observed in the blood between the groups with shorter and longer telomeres following vaccination. However, in laboratory tests, M1-specific CD8⁺ T cells from the group with longer telomeres were able to proliferate more strongly. PubMed Central (PMC)
Overall, the results suggest a connection between longer telomeres in specific immune cells and a more robust B- and T-cell response. Due to the small sample size of only 22 individuals, however, no general conclusions regarding vaccine efficacy or disease risks can be derived.
How should the results be interpreted?
The study provides evidence that the telomere length of specific immune cells may be related to the strength of an immune response in older age.
Due to the very small sample size of 22 people, these are exploratory results. The study shows an association but not a cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, it does not prove that longer telomeres automatically lead to a better vaccine response or that immune function can be improved through targeted changes to telomere length.
Original publication
The complete study and further details regarding study design, immune parameters, and results can be found in the original publication.
