What is immune function index?
The immune system protects you from infection and helps clear damaged cells. Two of its key players are T cells and B cells. T cells recognize and respond to threats directly and help coordinate the wider immune response. B cells produce antibodies and help form immune memory, which is why the body often responds faster the second time it meets a germ. Over a lifetime, the balance and behavior of these cells gradually shift.
How your genes play a role
Immune cells rely heavily on DNA methylation to define their roles and to switch between resting and active states. As the immune system ages, these methylation patterns change in characteristic ways. Researchers can use them to estimate the makeup of immune cell populations and an immune age. The immune function index combines these signals to describe the epigenetic health of your T and B cells and how your immune system may be aging.
Immune aging is a natural process, but it happens at different speeds in different people. Understanding where your immune system stands can add context to how you recover from illness and how your body copes with everyday demands. It also gives you and your clinician a starting point for thinking about sleep, nutrition, activity and routine health care such as recommended vaccinations, in a way that feels personal.
What your report shows
Your Immune Function Index results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Immune ageAn estimate of how your immune system may be aging, based on methylation patterns.
- T-cell profileSignals reflecting the epigenetic state and balance of your T cells.
- B-cell profileSignals reflecting the epigenetic state of the cells that make antibodies.
- Change over timeWith repeat testing, how your immune profile shifts as your habits and circumstances change.
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Sleep is when much immune repair happens, and short sleep is often linked with weaker defenses.
A varied diet with enough protein, vegetables and fruit is commonly discussed for immune health.
Moderate exercise is widely linked with a well-functioning immune system.
Your clinician can advise on checkups and vaccinations suited to your age and health.
Questions
Does an older immune age mean I will get sick more?
Not necessarily. It is an estimate of immune aging, not a prediction of illness. Many factors influence how you respond to infections.
What is the difference between T cells and B cells?
T cells recognize and respond to threats directly and help direct the immune response. B cells make antibodies and help the body remember past infections.
Can I influence my immune age?
Research suggests sleep, nutrition, activity and stress all affect immune health. Your results can be revisited over time to see how your profile changes.
