Survival at older ages: Are greater influenza antibody titers protective?

C. Jessica E. Metcalf, Sabra L. Klein, Jonathan M. Read, Steven Riley, Derek Adam T. Cummings, Yi Guan, Kin On Kwok, Huachen Zhu, Chaoqiang Jiang, Tai Hing Lam, Justin Lessler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Antibodies are a core element of the immune system's defense against infectious diseases. We hypothesize that antibody titres might therefore be an important predictor of survival in older individuals. This is important because biomarkers that robustly measure survival have proved elusive, despite their potential utility in health care settings. We present evidence supporting the hypothesis that influenza antibody titres are associated with overall survival of older individuals, and indicate a role for biological sex in modulating this association. Since antibody titres can be altered by vaccination, these results have important implications for public health policy on influenza control in aging populations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number111135
JournalMedical Hypotheses
Volume178
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

Keywords

  • Biomarker
  • Immunity
  • Influenza
  • Sex difference
  • Survival

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