Abstract

Pre-existing antibodies against antigenically variable pathogens that arise from multiple infections over a life time interfere with immune responses to new exposures through both positive and negative feedbacks. Such complex interaction – analogical to ecological systems – may exhibit intrinsic temporal cycles but has not been investigated. This study reported the existence of intrinsic cycles in human antibody profiles of influenza A(H3N2) at both individual- and population-level using antibody profiles from a cohort in Guangzhou and found these cycles can be recovered by models incorporating cross-reactions between strains and the herd protection could recover these two cycles.

Bio: I obtained my Ph.D. in infectious disease epidemiology from The University of Hong Kong and postdoctoral training in University of Florida with Prof. Derek Cummings. My research interest is understanding the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases with a focus on seroepidemiology.