Effect of Oral Supplements for Influenza Vaccine Response

Influenza virus infection presents a significant global health challenge, particularly threatening the elderly population due to immunosenescence. The immune response to influenza vaccination involves a complex series of events: after vaccination, hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers peak around day 14, accompanied by the production of neutralizing antibodies and other specific antibodies. This immune response gradually stabilizes to a post-response baseline level as immune memory establishes.

The age-related decline in immune function manifests through multiple mechanisms,including: reduced production of naive T cells; decreased diversity of T cell repertoire; compromised B cell function, altered cytokine production profiles which all diminished vaccine response efficacy.

Recent advances in immunometabolism have revealed the crucial role of specific fatty acids in immune system modulation. Our preliminary explorations found that，short-term Arachidonic Acid（AA）intervention could significantly reduce the time required for antibody production and enhance its levels following rabies vaccination. We also noticed that the serum Tauro Ursodesoxy Cholic Acid (TUDCA) was elevated in the intervention group. However, the related mechanism is still not clear.

The theoretical framework integrates nutritional immunology with classical vaccinology, focusing on the metabolic interaction between dietary fatty acids and immune cell function. This approach is particularly relevant for the elderly population, where reduced vaccine responsiveness due to immunosenescence presents a significant challenge in achieving optimal vaccine protection.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 60-70 years old
• Body Mass Index (BMI) 18.5-26.9 kg/m²
• No influenza vaccination in the past year
• Able to understand and sign the informed consent form, and capable of completing the full follow-up process

Exclusion criteria

• Severe lipid metabolism disorders
• Use of lipid-lowering medications, weight loss drugs, or insulin within the past three months
• Vaccination with other vaccines within the past three months
• Use of probiotics or prebiotics within the past three months
• Use of steroids, immunosuppressants, or other hormonal medications within the past year
• Immunodeficiency diseases
• Severe vaccine allergy history
• Liver or kidney metabolic disorders
• Occurrence of fever, common cold, severe diarrhea, or other diseases within the past month
• Poorly controlled chronic diseases (such as blood pressure, blood sugar)
• Intake of influenza antiviral drugs within the past two weeks
• Cognitive function impairment
• Planning to undergo surgery in the near future