B-cell DNA methylation signature in response to hepatitis B virus vaccination in females and males

作者：K. Kwiatkowska, Simona Anticoli, Stefano Salvioli, L. Calzari, D. Gentilini, Claudia Sala, Gastone C. Castellani, Christian Albano, N. Vonesch, P. Tomao, Rita Carsetti, Paolo Garagnani, Anna Ruggieri · 发表于：Frontiers in Immunology · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.3389/fimmu.2026.1734384 · 研究领域：Medicine

Introduction Sex-based differences in immune responses to vaccination are well-documented, yet the underlying epigenetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates DNA methylation profiles in B cells following hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, with a focus on sex-specific patterns. Methods Using high-resolution genome-wide methylation analysis, we examined post-vaccination samples from healthy male and female health care workers. Results Our results reveal distinct methylation signatures associated with vaccine response, with several loci showing sex-dependent differential methylation. Pathway analysis identified immune-related genes and regulatory elements potentially involved in B cell activation and memory formation. Our findings show that DNA methylation levels differ between responders versus non-responders to HBV vaccination and these alterations vary with biological sex. Discussion Understanding these epigenetic variations may open new perspective on vaccination practice. Collecting data on B cell epigenetics in different vaccination protocols could improve our knowledge on immunization function and contribute to more personalized vaccination strategies.