Overlapping patterns and unique differences: a study into immunological variation within and between populations

Dorst, M.M.A.R. van (2025)

Doctoral Thesis

Urbanization and associated lifestyle changes have been linked to increased prevalence of allergic diseases and reduced vaccine efficacy. To better understand the impact of urban living on the immune system, immune profiles have been compared between individuals from urban and rural environments, as well as between people with different socioeconomic backgrounds within the same geographic region. These comparisons revealed differences in immune regulation, with more inflammatory profiles observed in urban populations and more suppressed responses in rural populations. Such variations may influence susceptibility to disease and response to vaccination. Further research is needed to determine the extent of these effects. Population-specific strategies may be required to optimize vaccine efficacy and prevent immune-related diseases in diverse living environments.

• Innate
• Adaptive
• Th2
• Vaccine
• Nutrition
• Socioeconomic status
• Urbanization
• Mass Cytometry
• Cytokines

• All authors: Dorst, M.M.A.R. van
• Supervisor: Yazdanbakhsh, M.; Smits, H.H.
• Co-supervisor: Wammes, L.J.
• Committee: Visser, L.G.; Koning, F.; Baarle, D. van; Nkurunungi, G.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2025-11-25