Cytokines and toll-like receptors in the immune response to influenza vaccination

Abstract

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in immunogenicity. However, little information is available on the role of TLRs in the immune response to vaccination against influenza virus. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between the immunogenic response to influenza vaccine and the presence of soluble forms of TLRs and selected cytokines in the serum. There were two groups of subjects participating in the main protocol of the study: 55 chronically hemodialyzed patients (Group A) and 55 healthy volunteers (Group B) participated in the study. Both groups were vaccinated against influenza using a subunit Agrippal vaccine. The concentrations of human TNF-α, IL-1β/IL-1F2, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured by a high sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The soluble forms of TLR-2, TLR-4, and TLR-7 were determined in serum samples by ELISA as well. The findings were that vaccination did not appreciably influence the level soluble TRL-2, TRL-4, and TRL-7 or the cytokines investigated either in patients on hemodialysis or in healthy volunteers. Nor were there any relevant correlations between Toll-like receptors or pro-inflammatory cytokines and the immune response to influenza vaccination. On the other hand, the study showed that Toll-like receptors are increased in hemodialyzed patients, which may enhance the anti-inflammatory IL-10 and counter the downgrade of the immune response to influenza vaccine.