Study Reveals Smoking's Long-Term Impact on Immune System

Research shows smoking affects immunity up to 15 years after quitting, linked to epigenetic changes.

Smoking significantly impacts both innate and adaptive immune responses, with some effects persisting up to 15 years after quitting.
The study utilized the Milieu Intérieur cohort of 1,000 healthy volunteers to demonstrate how smoking, latent cytomegalovirus infection, and body mass index are major factors affecting immunity.
Long-term effects of smoking on immunity are linked to epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation, altering gene expression involved in immune cell metabolism.
The research highlights the durable influence of smoking on the body's defense systems and opens new avenues for understanding the enduring effects of lifestyle choices on health.
Experts suggest that the findings could have implications for vaccine effectiveness in smokers and former smokers, as immune cells in these populations may not trigger a strong antibody response.