The following observational study will investigate whether the vaccine response (antibodies, T and B cells) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation is influenced by genetic polymorphisms in the interferon lambda signal.
The research project deals with one of the most important virological preventive measures after stem cell transplantation: vaccination against influenza viruses. Patients with allogeneic stem cell transplantation may experience serious complications of influenza and are at higher risk for inadequate response to the vaccine. The research project will make it possible, in a translational-medical orientation, to investigate the exact influence of genetic polymorphisms of the Interferon (IFN)-λ signalling cascade on the immune response after vaccination. This knowledge will make it possible to identify high-risk patients for a poor vaccination response before vaccination and to personalize the current vaccination strategy (intra-muscular injection), e.g. by subcutaneous vaccination, repeated administration of the vaccine or vaccine with adjuvants.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
200
Regardless of the study enrollment, a two-time influenza vaccination at the start of the flu season is recommended every 4 weeks for all patients after stem cell transplantation. The vaccine is a trivalent inactivated non-adjuvanted influenza virus vaccine containing two influenza A viruses: pandemic H1N1, and H3N2, and an influenza B virus
Department of Clinical Microbiology
Basel, Switzerland
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) in blood before vaccination
Before vaccination, antibody titers for each influenza virus contained in the vaccine (Influenza A pH1N1, Influenza A H3N2 and Influenza B) are determined from the serum by means of a hemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA titer)
Time frame: Change from baseline PBMCs at day 60
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) in blood after vaccination
after vaccination, antibody titers for each influenza virus contained in the vaccine (Influenza A pH1N1, Influenza A H3N2 and Influenza B) are determined from the serum by means of a hemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA titer)
Time frame: Change from baseline PBMCs at day 60
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