Overactive innate immune responses suppresses T cell response to vaccination

Dr. Zhong explores how T cell responses determine vaccine protection in children aged 5–12 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a longitudinal cohort, their group identified key biomarkers and innate immune signatures that predict strong or weak T cell responses, which correlate with risk of symptomatic infection. The study highlights the “onion model” of immunity, where T cells provide core protection when antibody levels are insufficient. Insights from this research may inform strategies to optimize vaccine-induced immunity in pediatric populations.