Researchers explored the factors influencing cytokine release, an essential component of the body’s immunological response. The study involved 1,000 participants and measured the levels of various cytokines after immunological activation. The study revealed that smoking, CMV latent infection, and body mass index were significant drivers of cytokine response variability. Smoking was associated with inflammation and decreased immunity against bacterial infections. Additionally, BMI was associated with obesity dysregulation, and CMV latent infection was linked with cytokines secreted by adaptive immune cells. DNA methylation was also found to play a role in the association between smoking and cytokine levels. These findings may have clinical implications for the risk of infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
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