Pre-Existing Immune Dysregulation as a Predictor of Severe Infection Outcomes
New research reveals that immune dysregulation before infection can predict the severity of disease responses. This discovery paves the way for personalized approaches to improving immune health and preventing severe illnesses.
Recent research indicates that immune system irregularities, known as immune dysregulation, can be present even before an individual encounters an infection. This pre-existing immune signature may serve as a predictor for the severity of responses to infections like COVID-19. A study led by Stanford Medicine, published in the journal Immunity, identified a set of immune-related genes whose expression levels correlate with how severely a person might respond to infectious diseases. Notably, individuals with risk factors such as smoking, higher body mass index (BMI), age, or diabetes already exhibit signs of immune dysregulation in their gene expression profiles.
This gene signature encompasses 42 immune-related genes divided into protective and harmful groups. The ratio between these groups influences the body's overall immune response. Neutrophils, a type of immune cell, are often associated with harmful responses, such as suppressing helpful T cells, whereas beneficial responses involve T cells, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells.
Importantly, the study suggests that immune health is modifiable. For instance, former smokers who quit over five years ago demonstrated improved immune gene profiles compared to current smokers. Similarly, individuals with controlled blood sugar levels or those following calorie-restricted diets showed signs of better immune regulation.
The research team utilized datasets from large-scale studies, including the Framingham Heart Study, to analyze gene expression data in relation to health outcomes. They found that immune dysregulation is linked to increased risk of death from various causes, even in the absence of infection. Ultimately, this growing understanding of immune signatures could lead to practical tools in clinical settings, allowing healthcare providers to assess immune health and develop personalized strategies to enhance immune resilience.
This breakthrough offers promising avenues for early intervention and personalized medicine, aiming to reduce severe outcomes from infectious diseases by improving immune system function prior to illness.
source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-immune-dysregulation-prior-infection-severe.html
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