Immune resilience is the capacity to maintain or restore immune function despite stressors such as chronic inflammation, infections, or aging. It is crucial for predicting long-term health outcomes, particularly in the context of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Below is a comprehensive and detailed list of biomarkers that are indicative of immune resilience, with clinical relevance, mechanisms of action, and supporting research.
Key Biomarkers of Immune Resilience
1. White Blood Cells (WBC)
- Clinical Levels: 4,000–11,000 cells/µL.
- Rationale: WBC count is a general marker of immune status. Elevated levels may indicate infection or inflammation, while low levels suggest immunosuppression.
- Mechanism: WBCs are involved in both innate and adaptive immunity, responding to pathogens and modulating inflammation.
- Research Support: WBC counts predict outcomes in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes[1].
2. Neutrophils
- Clinical Levels: 2,500–7,000 cells/µL.
- Rationale: Neutrophils are the first line of defense against infections and inflammation. High neutrophil counts are associated with chronic inflammatory conditions like cardiovascular diseases.
- Mechanism: Neutrophils release cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which help clear pathogens but can contribute to tissue damage in chronic inflammation.
- Research Support: Elevated neutrophil counts correlate with increased risks for dementia and depression[1][2].
3. Lymphocytes
- Clinical Levels: 1,500–4,000 cells/µL.
- Rationale: Lymphocytes (T cells, B cells) are essential for adaptive immunity. A balanced lymphocyte count indicates good immune health; low levels may signify immunodeficiency or chronic stress.
- Mechanism: Lymphocytes mediate pathogen-specific responses and immunological memory. They are critical for long-term immune resilience.
- Research Support: Imbalances in lymphocyte populations have been linked to poor outcomes in HIV/AIDS and cancer[1].
4. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)
- Clinical Levels: Optimal NLR is <3; higher values indicate systemic inflammation.
- Rationale: NLR is a marker of systemic inflammation and immune imbalance. It has been associated with poor outcomes in cardiovascular diseases and cancer.