1. Longitudinal analysis of influenza vaccination implicates regulation of RIG-I signaling by DNA methylation.
- Author
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Pellegrini, Matteo, Fu, Hongxiang, Pickering, Harry, Rubbi, Liudmilla, Ross, Ted, and Reed, Elaine
- Subjects
Humans ,DNA Methylation ,Influenza ,Human ,Leukocytes ,Mononuclear ,Vaccination ,Influenza Vaccines ,DEAD Box Protein 58 ,Signal Transduction ,Antibodies ,Viral - Abstract
Influenza virus infection alters the promoter DNA methylation of key immune response-related genes, including type-1 interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. However, less is known about the effect of the influenza vaccine on the epigenome. We utilized a targeted DNA methylation approach to study the longitudinal effects (day 0 pre-vaccination and day 28 post-vaccination) on influenza vaccination responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We found that baseline, pre-vaccination methylation profiles are associated with pre-existing, protective serological immunity. Additionally, we identified 481 sites that were differentially methylated between baseline and day 28 post-vaccination. These were enriched for genes involved in the regulation of the RIG-I signaling pathway, an important regulator of viral responses. Our results suggest that DNA methylation changes to components of the RIG-I pathway are associated with vaccine effectiveness. Therefore, immunization strategies that target this pathway may improve serological responses to influenza vaccination.
- Published
- 2024