Not just age, birthplace and gender also shape immunity, study finds major flaw

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): When a virus attacks the body, the immune system produces antibodies to fight it. However, new research suggests that the body's response to viruses and the process of antibody production may change with age.

A study by French researchers found that the same virus can trigger different immune responses in different individuals. That is, each person's body may produce antibodies that target different parts of the virus. According to the research, some specific antibodies are produced more frequently with age, while others may decrease in quantity, depending on which part of the virus is being targeted.

The study also clarified that age isn't the only factor responsible for this process. A person's gender, genetics, and place of birth also influence the immune response. Together, these factors determine the amount of antibodies produced and the specific parts of the virus they target.

The findings of this research have been published in Nature Immunology. The study included 1,000 healthy people and detailed analysis of their socioeconomic status, lifestyle, medical history and various biological indicators.

The researchers found that age, sex, and place of birth directly impact which epitopes antibodies target. An epitope is the specific part of a virus or antigen that antibodies bind to and activate against infection.