Reduced levels of leptin, a metabolic hormone, is linked to poor vaccine antibody responses in the general population, according to research by the University of Queensland.
The researchers made the discovery while investigating the response of several cohorts to the influenza vaccine or hepatitis B vaccine prior to COVID.
Professor Di Yu at the University of Queensland identified a link between the metabolic and immune systems that could be exploited to develop new strategies for improving vaccine protection in vulnerable populations.
“Using multiple advanced techniques in immunology, genetics and biochemistry, our study found leptin directly promoted the development and function of cells which are vital in triggering an antibody response,” Professor Yu said.
“In collaboration with global teams, we identified the reduction of an essential metabolic hormone called leptin was associated with compromised vaccine responses in both young and older individuals.
“As a result, we can now identify those who are at risk of not generating an antibody response after vaccination.”
Leptin is a metabolic hormone mostly produced by fat tissue.
“Vaccines have been known for a very long time to have a different efficacy for individuals,” he said.
“Although our genetics partially contribute to the difference, other factors are also essential. When we are fit and healthy, we have a much better vaccine efficacy.
“If we are healthy, we have a good metabolism and a normal level of leptin, but if we have malnutrition or some disease conditions, we may have a low level of leptin, which may limit our vaccine response and immune protection.”
Professor Yu said that one subject was future research was that many people with obesity and high levels of leptin conversely often had leptin resistance, which could also potentially lead to a poorer vaccine response.
The researchers are hoping to test responses to the COVID vaccines to find biomarkers that could identify people who may not mount a strong vaccine response.
“During the era of the COVID pandemic, the successful vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 is the major hope to bring society back to normalcy. Differing vaccine responses cause a major bottleneck in large-scale vaccination programs,” said Professor Yu.
Source: News-Medical.Net
.Journal information: Deng. J., et al. (2021) The metabolic hormone leptin promotes the function of TFH cells and supports vaccine responses. Nature Communications. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-23220-x.
