Date of Award
2025
Degree Name
Pharmaceutical Sciences
College
School of Pharmacy
Type of Degree
M.S.
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Dr. Melinda E. Varney
Second Advisor
Dr. Cynthia B. Jones
Third Advisor
Dr. Jeremy McAleer
Abstract
Vaccines are a vital tool in preventing diseases, but their effectiveness varies depending on factors like diet and body weight. Obese individuals often experience reduced vaccine protection, as seen with influenza vaccines, where they have twice the risk of getting the flu compared to healthy-weight individuals after vaccination. This study aims to understand why obesity weakens vaccine effectiveness, focusing on the role of blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow, known as hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). These cells are crucial for producing immune cells that defend the body against infections. Previous research has shown that diet-induced obesity alters the types and quantities of immune cells produced by the HSPCs in the bone marrow. This research specifically explores how a Western diet, typically high in fats and sugars alters the gene expression of HSPCs during Influenza vaccination. Understanding these changes could help us develop strategies to improve vaccine responses in obese individuals, potentially through targeted vaccine additives or additional treatments, leading to better protection for those at higher risk.
Subject(s)
Pharmacology.
Influenza vaccines.
Gene expression.
Diet.
Stem cells.
Obesity.
Vaccines.
Recommended Citation
Pathipati, Chaitanya Lahari Chowdary, "Investigating the extent to which diet-induced obesity alters gene expression in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells following influenza immunization in mice" (2025). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 1969.
https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/1969
Included in
Influenza Virus Vaccines Commons, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Virus Diseases Commons
