influenza vaccine-University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

This is a standard annual influenza vaccine utilized by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an experimental research tool to induce a controlled, low-grade inflammatory response. In clinical research settings, it serves as a biological challenge to investigate the relationship between the immune system and social behavior. Administration of the vaccine reliably elicits a transient increase in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), typically peaking approximately 24 hours post-injection. This model allows researchers to study the psychological and behavioral effects of systemic inflammation, such as changes in social engagement and social withdrawal, in healthy young adults.

Other names

Inflammatory challengeFlu vaccineStandard annual influenza vaccine