The impact of interferon receptor gene polymorphisms on humoral immunity to influenza and frequency of acute respiratory viral infections; taking into account vaccination status

Introduction . Polymorphic variants of interferon receptor genes determine cell sensitivity to interferons and the antiviral immune response. The study aimed to assess the impact of polymorphic variants of interferon receptor genes on humoral immunity to influenza and frequency of acute respiratory viral infections; taking into account vaccination status. Methods . We conducted a cross-sectional study involving adult residents of Arkhangelsk who do not receive vaccination against influenza; N=156; and those who receive vaccination annually; N=70. The research procedure included a survey; assessment of concentration of immunoglobulin G to influenza A virus and determination of specific polymorphic variants of interferon receptor genes. Results . Among those receiving vaccination annually; the proportion of seropositive individuals was higher (70;0%) compared to the non-vaccinated group (53;8%). In non-vaccinated individuals with the TT genotype of the polymorphic marker rs2229207 in the IFNAR2 gene; specific immunoglobulins G to influenza A virus were determined more frequently. The proportion of participants receiving annual influenza vaccination who experienced acute respiratory viral infections more than twice a year was 21;4%; while this proportion in non-vaccinated individuals was 32;7%. Among those vaccinated against influenza annually; the odds of frequent acute respiratory viral infections were four times higher in individuals with the GGTC haplotype (rs2257167 IFNAR1 + rs2229207 IFNAR2) compared to other haplotypes. Conclusion . The associations between polymorphic variants of interferon receptor genes and humoral immunity to influenza and frequency of acute respiratory viral infections can be used to identify risk groups and for the development of personalized approaches for the specific prevention of viral infections.