Dengue infection can ‘re-programme’ the immune system, leaving a lasting genetic imprint that influences future responses to infections, according to a study by Duke-NUS Medical School. This discovery, published in the journal Med, highlights why vaccines are more effective in individuals with prior dengue infections and suggests pathways for developing safer vaccines.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus, affects millions annually in tropical regions. The study found that those previously infected with dengue displayed distinct gene activity patterns in immune cells, unlike those who were only vaccinated. Dr Eugenia Ong, the study’s first author, noted, “Our findings show that natural dengue infection can leave a lasting genetic imprint on the immune system.”
The research involved a clinical trial with 26 US volunteers and 50 from Singapore, comparing immune responses between those with and without prior dengue infections. The study revealed that prior infection led to a stronger immune response to the first vaccine dose. Professor Ooi Eng Eong explained, “The immune system only gets a real workout from the full game—the equivalent of a natural infection.”
This genetic imprinting, also seen in diseases like malaria, suggests that the type and intensity of infection are crucial. Professor Patrick Tan emphasised the study’s significance, stating, “These insights are vital not only for developing better vaccines but also for guiding global and national health policies.”
The findings aim to encourage further research into immune reprogramming and its implications for other infections and vaccines, potentially shaping future health policies on dengue vaccination.
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