Night shift work and immune response to the meningococcal conjugate vaccine in healthy workers: a proof of concept study

It is well-established that sleep regulates immune functions. Immunological functions are dependent on circadian rhythms and regular sleep as both have an impact on the magnitude of immune responses following antigenic challenge (eg, in vaccination). Here we investigated whether nocturnal shift work can influence post-vaccination response. Thirty-four healthy workers (23 females) working either nocturnal or diurnal shifts (17 in each group) received the meningococcal C meningitis vaccine. Sleep was recorded polysomnographically (PSG) and with actigraphy. Humoral and cellular responses were assessed after vaccination. Night workers showed decreased N3 stage and REM sleep duration, increased inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-6 levels), and a weak specific humoral response to vaccination associated with reduced CD4 T lymphocytes, reduced plasmacytoid dendritic cells, reduced prolactin levels, increased TReg and increased IL-10 levels. In addition, the decrease in total sleep time and circadian rhythm alterations were associated with a reduced humoral response post-vaccination. Our findings provide novel evidence concerning immune alterations of shift work on workers' health based on real-life circumstances. In association with circadian components, sufficient sleep time and rhythm synchronization were important for the development of the Ag-specific immune response, suggesting that the humoral response to vaccination may be impaired in individuals with chronic sleep restriction and circadian misalignment. •Vaccine response on night shift workers based on real-life settings.•The immune system potentially plays an important role in the relation between shift work and adverse health effects.•Sleep duration and rhythm synchronization are related to humoral immunity.•Evidence of the health burden of shiftwork.