Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in the Interferon-λ Signaling Cascade and Immune Response After Vaccination

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.