Vaccination Against Pneumonia May Provide Genotype-Specific Protection Against Alzheimer's Disease

J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;96(2):499-505. doi: 10.3233/JAD-230088.

Abstract

Vaccine repurposing that considers individual genotype may aid personalized prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this retrospective cohort study, we used Cardiovascular Health Study data to estimate associations of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and flu shots received between ages 65-75 with AD onset at age 75 or older, taking into account rs6859 polymorphism in NECTIN2 gene (AD risk factor). Pneumococcal vaccine, and total count of vaccinations against pneumonia and flu, were associated with lower odds of AD in carriers of rs6859 A allele, but not in non-carriers. We conclude that pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is a promising candidate for genotype-tailored AD prevention.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Cardiovascular Health Study; immunity; pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine; seasonal flu shots; vaccine repurposing.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease* / genetics
  • Alzheimer Disease* / prevention & control
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Pneumococcal Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Pneumonia, Pneumococcal* / prevention & control
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Pneumococcal Vaccines