Brennan K, et al. - Researchers investigated if immune responses to cytosolic nucleic acids (CNAs, novel candidate adjuvants for childhood vaccines) were adversely influenced in infants born to overweight or obese mothers, and in overweight and obese children. CNA-induced Type I Interferon (IFN) responses were not significantly adversely impacted by childhood obesity when compared with lean children. In comparison to lean mothers, intact Type I IFN responses were seen in the cord blood of babies delivered from overweight and obese mothers. In children or from cord blood of infants born to overweight/obese mothers, CNA-induced Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) responses were not significantly influenced by obesity. All cases demonstrated a trend towards reduced production of innate cytokine Type I Interferon and TNFα, however, no significant negative correlation was found. In response to CNA stimulation, a weak and moderate positive correlation of high maternal BMI (Body Mass Index) with IL(Interleukin)-12p70 and IFNγ, respectively, was noted. Via the use of activators of CNA sensors, future adjuvants could be tailored for these populations.