# Relationship between cytomegalovirus antibody levels and cognitive performance is dependent on age and genetic risk

## TL;DR

This study finds that the relationship between CMV antibodies and cognitive performance depends on age and genetic factors like APOE ε4 and TNF-308.

## Contribution

The study reveals that CMV antibody effects on cognition are influenced by age and genetic risk factors, explaining conflicting findings in prior research.

## Key findings

- CMV antibodies correlated with better cognition in TNF-308 minor allele carriers, especially those without APOE ε4.
- The protective effect of CMV antibodies was stronger in younger individuals and diminished with age.
- Interactions between CMV and TNF-308 were significant in those under 71.1 years but not in older participants.

## Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is endemic worldwide. It is often acquired in childhood and persists throughout adult life. CMV is linked with several diseases of aging, but associations with cognitive performance are not consistent. Here we address whether this may reflect a dependence on putative genetic determinants, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 and Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF), and/or the age of the subjects tested. CMV-reactive antibodies were quantitated in 419 individuals aged 71.7 [53.2—89.1] years, drawn from the Australian Imaging, Biomarker & Lifestyle (AIBL) study. Cognitive composite scores, covering five domains, a global score of cognitive performance, brain amyloid-β (Aβ) burden and demographic data were available. APOE and TNF-308 (rs1800629) genotypes were extracted from genome-wide array data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied. CMV antibody levels were negatively correlated with Aβ burden and correlated directly with cognition in participants carrying the minor allele of TNF-308, notably in those lacking the APOE ε4 allele. Cognitive performance exhibited a decrease with age, but CMV antibody levels were maintained. Regression analyses revealed significant interactions between TNF-308 genotype and CMV antibody levels in the overall cohort and in participants younger than 71.1 years (median split). No such interaction was observed in those older than 71.1 years. Overall, CMV antibodies may play a protective role in carriers of the minor allele of TNF-308. This was significant in younger individuals and could be eclipsed by advanced age or carriage of the APOE ε4. The interactions described may explain disagreements in the literature regarding the effects of CMV and TNF-308.