Immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review/meta-analysis

SARS-CoV-2-Specific Immune Cytokine Profiles to mRNA, Viral Vector and Protein-Based Vaccines in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Beyond Interferon Gamma

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) impact the cellular immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). In this study, we aim to elucidate the characteristics of the involved antigen-specific T cells via the measurement of broad cytokine profiles in pwMS on various DMTs. We examined SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in whole blood cultures characterized by the release of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as antibodies (AB) targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in pwMS following either two or three doses of mRNA or viral vector vaccines (VVV). For mRNA vaccination non-responders, the NVX-CoV2373 protein-based vaccine was administered, and immune responses were evaluated. Our findings indicate that immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in pwMS are skewed towards a Th1 phenotype, characterized by IL-2 and IFN-γ. Additionally, a Th2 response characterized by IL-5, and to a lesser extent IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13, is observed. Therefore, the measurement of IL-2 and IL-5 levels could complement traditional IFN-γ assays to more comprehensively characterize the cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Our results provide a comprehensive cytokine profile for pwMS receiving different DMTs and offer valuable insights for designing vaccination strategies in this patient population.

Comparing the consequences of COVID-19 vaccination between central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases and other neurological disorders

BACKGROUND

Vaccination constitutes a crucial preventive measure against COVID-19 infection. Concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy of vaccines in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients due to various immunomodulatory medications and potential adverse events that may impact neurological function. This study aimed to explore the implications of COVID-19 vaccination within MS and NMSOD patients and compare it with other neurological disorders (OND).

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study conducted in Isfahan, Iran, baseline data and information on COVID-19 infections and vaccinations were collected from MS, NMOSD, and OND patients between September 2021 and September 2022. The predominant neurological disorders identified among OND patients encompassed headache, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. Logistic regression analysis was employed to compare COVID-19 vaccination outcomes among different patient groups, presenting odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The study included 1,307 participants, with 738 having MS, 96 having NMOSD, 76 having clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and 397 having OND. Significantly higher odds of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection were detected in MS (OR = 3.86, p < 0.001) NMOSD (OR = 2.77, p = 0.015) patients than OND patients. The prior history of COVID-19 infection and the type of vaccine administered did not demonstrate significant associations with the likelihood of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection in MS and NMOSD patients (p > 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in the rates of adverse events in MS, NMOSD, and OND patients, except the second dose, where NMOSD patients had lower odds than OND patients (OR = 0.55, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Although the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccination in MS and NMOSD was similar to that in OND, the rates of post-vaccination COVID-19 infection in MS and NMOSD seem higher than OND. These findings highlight the importance of regular serological monitoring and the potential advantages of supplementary vaccine doses in MS and NMOSD patients.

Association between antibody responses post-vaccination and severe COVID-19 outcomes in Scotland

Several population-level studies have described individual clinical risk factors associated with suboptimal antibody responses following COVID-19 vaccination, but none have examined multimorbidity. Others have shown that suboptimal post-vaccination responses offer reduced protection to subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, the level of protection from COVID-19 hospitalisation/death remains unconfirmed. We use national Scottish datasets to investigate the association between multimorbidity and testing antibody-negative, examining the correlation between antibody levels and subsequent COVID-19 hospitalisation/death among double-vaccinated individuals. We found that individuals with multimorbidity ( ≥ five conditions) were more likely to test antibody-negative post-vaccination and 13.37 [6.05-29.53] times more likely to be hospitalised/die from COVID-19 than individuals without conditions. We also show a dose-dependent association between post-vaccination antibody levels and COVID-19 hospitalisation or death, with those with undetectable antibody levels at a significantly higher risk (HR 9.21 [95% CI 4.63-18.29]) of these serious outcomes compared to those with high antibody levels.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection in ozanimod-treated participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the serologic response, predictors of response, and clinical outcomes associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination and infection in ozanimod-treated participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) from DAYBREAK.

METHODS

DAYBREAK (ClinicalTrials.gov-NCT02576717), an open-label extension study of oral ozanimod 0.92 mg, enrolled participants aged 18-55 years with RMS who completed phase 1-3 ozanimod trials. Participants who were fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 with mRNA or non-mRNA vaccines, were unvaccinated, and/or had COVID-19-related adverse events (AEs, with or without vaccination) and postvaccination serum samples were included (n = 288). Spike receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody levels (seroconversion: ≥0.8 U/mL) and serologic evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (nucleocapsid IgG: ≥1 U/mL) were assessed (Roche Elecsys/Cobas e411 platform).

RESULTS

In fully vaccinated participants (n = 148), spike RBD antibody seroconversion occurred in 90% (n = 98/109) of those without serologic evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure (100% [n = 80/80] seroconversion after mRNA vaccination) and in 100% (n = 39/39) of participants with serologic evidence of viral exposure. mRNA vaccination predicted higher spike RBD antibody levels, whereas absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), age, body mass index, and sex did not. COVID-19-related AEs were reported in 10% (n = 15/148) of fully vaccinated participants-all were nonserious and not severe; all participants recovered.

INTERPRETATION

Most ozanimod-treated participants with RMS mounted a serologic response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection, regardless of participant characteristics or ALC levels. In this analysis, all COVID-19-related AEs post-full vaccination in participants taking ozanimod were nonserious and not severe.

Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection in a prospective cohort of children with neuroinflammatory diseases

INTRODUCTION

Immune medications affect antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in adults with neuroinflammatory disorders, but little is known about antibody responses in children with neuroinflammation and on immune treatments. Here we measure antibody levels in response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in children receiving anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, or fingolimod.

METHODS

Children under 18 years of age with pediatric-onset neuroinflammatory disorders who received at least two mRNA vaccines were included. Plasma samples were assayed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (spike, spike receptor binding domain-RBD, nucleocapsid) and neutralization antibodies.

RESULTS

Seventeen participants with pediatric onset neuroinflammatory diseases were included: 12 multiple sclerosis, one neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, two MOG-associated disease, and two autoimmune encephalitis. Fourteen were on medications (11 on CD20 monoclonal antibodies-mAbs, one on fingolimod, one on steroids, one on intravenous immunoglobulin) and three were untreated. Nine patients also had pre-vaccination samples available. All participants had seropositivity to spike or spike RBD antibodies except for those receiving CD20 mAbs. However, this proportion was higher in children than in an adult MS patient cohort. The most significant contributor to antibody levels was duration of DMT.

CONCLUSION

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are decreased in children on CD20 monoclonal antibodies than on other treatments. Treatment duration associated with vaccination responses.

COVID-19 and the Pandemic-Related Aspects in Pediatric Demyelinating Disorders

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection, has been associated with several neurological symptoms, including acute demyelinating syndromes (ADS). There is a growing body of literature discussing COVID-19 and demyelinating conditions in adults; however, there is less published about COVID-19 demyelinating conditions in the pediatric population. This review aims to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in pediatric patients with central nervous system ADS (cADS) and chronic demyelinating conditions. We reviewed PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline for articles published between December 1, 2019 and October 25, 2022 related to COVID-19 and pediatric demyelinating conditions. Of 56 articles reviewed, 20 cases of initial presentation of ADS associated with COVID-19 were described. The most commonly described cADS associated with COVID-19 infection in children was Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis followed by Transverse Myelitis. Cases of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, and Multiple Sclerosis are also described. The risk of severe COVID-19 in pediatric patients with demyelinating conditions appears low, including in patients on disease modifying therapies, but studies are limited. The pandemic did affect disease modifying therapies in ADS, whether related to changes in prescriber practice or access to medications. COVID-19 is associated with ADS in children and the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted pediatric patients with demyelinating conditions in various ways.

COVID-19: The Course, Vaccination and Immune Response in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Systematic Review

When the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared, it was unknown what impact it would have on the condition of patients with autoimmunological disorders. Attention was focused on the course of infection in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), specially treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or glucocorticoids. The impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the occurrence of MS relapses or pseudo-relapses was important. This review focuses on the risk, symptoms, course, and mortality of COVID-19 as well as immune response to vaccinations against COVID-19 in patients with MS (PwMS). We searched the PubMed database according to specific criteria. PwMS have the risk of infection, hospitalization, symptoms, and mortality due to COVID-19, mostly similar to the general population. The presence of comorbidities, male sex, a higher degree of disability, and older age increase the frequency and severity of the COVID-19 course in PwMS. For example, it was reported that anti-CD20 therapy is probably associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. After SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, MS patients acquire humoral and cellular immunity, but the degree of immune response depends on applied DMTs. Additional studies are necessary to corroborate these findings. However, indisputably, some PwMS need special attention within the context of COVID-19.

mRNA versus inactivated virus COVID-19 vaccines in multiple sclerosis: Humoral responses and protectivity-Does it matter?

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Adequate humoral responses are obtained in pwMS receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) after vaccination, with the exception of those receiving B-cell-depleting therapies and non-selective S1P modulators. However, most of the reported studies on the immunity of COVID-19 vaccinations have included mRNA vaccines, and information on inactivated virus vaccine responses, long-term protectivity, and comparative studies with mRNA vaccines are very limited. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between humoral vaccine responses and COVID-19 infection outcomes following mRNA and inactivated virus vaccines in a large national cohort of pwMS receiving DMTs.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional and prospective multicenter study on COVID-19-vaccinated pwMS. Blood samples of pwMS with or without DMTs and healthy controls were collected after two doses of inactivated virus (Sinovac) or mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines. PwMS were sub-grouped according to the mode of action of the DMTs that they were receiving. SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were evaluated by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. A representative sample of this study cohort was followed up for a year. COVID-19 infection status and clinical outcomes were compared between the mRNA and inactivated virus groups as well as among pwMS subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 1484 pwMS (1387 treated, 97 untreated) and 185 healthy controls were included in the analyses (male/female: 544/1125). Of those, 852 (51.05%) received BioNTech, and 817 (48.95%) received Sinovac. mRNA and inactivated virus vaccines result in similar seropositivity; however, the BioNTech vaccination group had significantly higher antibody titers (7.175±10.074) compared with the Sinovac vaccination group (823±1.774) (p<0.001). PwMS under ocrelizumab, fingolimod, and cladribine treatments had lower humoral responses compared with the healthy controls in both vaccine types. After a mean of 327±16 days, 246/704 (34.9%) of pwMS who were contacted had COVID-19 infection, among whom 83% had asymptomatic or mild disease. There was no significant difference in infection rates of COVID-19 between participants vaccinated with BioNTech or Sinovac vaccines. Furthermore, regression analyses show that no association was found regarding age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale score (EDSS), the number of vaccination, DMT type, or humoral antibody responses with COVID-19 infection rate and disease severity, except BMI Body mass index (BMI).

CONCLUSION

mRNA and inactivated virus vaccines had similar seropositivity; however, mRNA vaccines appeared to be more effective in producing SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. B-cell-depleting therapies fingolimod and cladribine were associated with attenuated antibody titer. mRNA and inactive virus vaccines had equal long-term protectivity against COVID-19 infection regardless of the antibody status.

Central Nervous System Neuroimmunologic Complications of COVID-19

Autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system following COVID-19 infection include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, autoimmune encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and other less common neuroimmunologic disorders. In general, these disorders are rare and likely represent postinfectious phenomena rather than direct consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. The impact of COVID-19 infection on patients with preexisting neuroinflammatory disorders depends on both the disorder and disease-modifying therapy use. Patients with MS do not have an increased risk for severe COVID-19, though patients on anti-CD20 therapies may have worse clinical outcomes and attenuated humoral response to vaccination. Data are limited for other neuroinflammatory disorders, but known risk factors such as older age and medical comorbidities likely play a role. Prophylaxis and treatment for COVID-19 should be considered in patients with preexisting neuroinflammatory disorders at high risk for developing severe COVID-19.

An update on the use of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disorder of the CNS manifested by recurrent attacks of neurological symptoms (related to focal inflammation) and gradual disability accrual (related to progressive neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation). Sphingosine-1-phosphate-receptor (S1PR) modulators are a class of oral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for relapsing MS. The first S1PR modulator developed and approved for MS was fingolimod, followed by siponimod, ozanimod, and ponesimod. All are S1P analogues with different S1PR-subtype selectivity. They restrain the S1P-dependent lymphocyte egress from lymph nodes by binding the lymphocytic S1P-subtype-1-receptor. Depending on their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, they can also interfere with other biological functions.

AREAS COVERED

Our narrative review covers the PubMed English literature on S1PR modulators in MS until August 2022. We discuss their pharmacology, efficacy, safety profile, and risk management recommendations based on the results of phase II and III clinical trials. We briefly address their impact on the risk of infections and vaccines efficacy.

EXPERT OPINION

S1PR modulators decrease relapse rate and may modestly delay disease progression in people with relapsing MS. Aside their established benefit, their place and timing within the long-term DMT strategy in MS, as well as their immunological effects in the new and evolving context of the post-COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination campaigns warrant further study.

Summary of Safety and Efficacy of COVID Vaccination in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents one of the most challenging issues that have recently influenced everyday life in countries all over the world. Understanding the risk of this disease is of high importance in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as they represent a vulnerable population through their treatment with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Infective episodes may trigger relapses and lead to deterioration of the health condition.

SUMMARY

Vaccination is an important preventive measure against infectious diseases. In MS patients, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of vaccines in patients on various immunomodulatory drugs and about their possible adverse effects including impairment of neurological functions. The objectives of this article were to summarize the current knowledge on immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines and their safety in MS patients and to provide practical guidance based on the data available to date.

KEY MESSAGES

Although MS is not associated with a higher risk of COVID-19, this infection can trigger relapses or pseudo-relapses. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are recommended for all MS patients who are not in the active phase of the disease, despite the fact that there is still a lack of long-term reliable data on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines against COVID-19. Some DMTs can reduce vaccine humoral responses, but might still provide some protection and adequate T-cell response. To optimize the effectiveness of vaccination, the ideal timing of vaccine application and DMTs dosing regimen is crucial.

[Antibody production capacity after COVID-19 vaccination in immune-mediated neuromuscular diseases under immunotherapy]

The post-vaccination antibody response in patients with immune-mediated neuromuscular diseases under immuno-suppressive therapy has not been sufficiently verified. The Japanese Society of Neurology has stated that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination should be given priority in patients with immunotherapy-associated neuromuscular diseases; however, data on antibody production to a novel mRNA vaccine are scarce in these patients. In this study, we aimed to measure residual antibody titers after the second dose and produced antibodies after the third dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in 25 patients with neuromuscular diseases under immuno-suppressive therapy (disease group). We compared the disease group antibody titers with those of 829 healthy employees in our hospital (control group). The disease group included 17 patients with myasthenia gravis, 4 with multiple sclerosis, 3 with inflammatory muscle disease, and 1 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies. Seven cases of the disease group showed negative antibody levels (<15.0 s/co) before the third vaccination, and antibody titers in the positive cases ranged from 16.9 to 4,589.0 s/co. Three of the seven antibody-negative cases turned positive after the third vaccination, and all but one of the antibody-positive cases showed a booster effect, with antibody titers after the third dose ranging from 245.1 to 85,374.0 s/co (1.0 to 885.0 times higher than those before vaccination). Although the immune response in the disease group was modest compared to the control group, in which antibody titers after the third vaccination ranged from 67.8 to 150,000 s/co (0.9 to 5,402.1 times higher than those before vaccination), the result indicated that a constant immune response was achieved under immuno-suppressive therapy. Even in the control group, three participants tested negative for residual antibody before the third inoculation, and four of the antibody-positive participants (27.7-24,054.0 s/co) lacked a booster effect after the third vaccination.

The impact of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination

BACKGROUND

Sphingosine-one phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulation inhibits S1PR1-mediated lymphocyte migration, lesion formation and positively-impacts on active multiple sclerosis (MS). These S1PR modulatory drugs have different: European Union use restrictions, pharmacokinetics, metabolic profiles and S1PR receptor affinities that may impact MS-management. Importantly, these confer useful properties in dealing with COVID-19, anti-viral drug responses and generating SARS-CoV-2 vaccine responses.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the biology and emerging data that potentially underpins immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus following natural infection and vaccination and determine how this impinges on the use of current sphingosine-one-phosphate modulators used in the treatment of MS.

METHODS

A literature review was performed, and data on infection, vaccination responses; S1PR distribution and functional activity was extracted from regulatory and academic information within the public domain.

OBSERVATIONS

Most COVID-19 related information relates to the use of fingolimod. This indicates that continuous S1PR1, S1PR3, S1PR4 and S1PR5 modulation is not associated with a worse prognosis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whilst fingolimod use is associated with blunted seroconversion and reduced peripheral T-cell vaccine responses, it appears that people on siponimod, ozanimod and ponesimod exhibit stronger vaccine-responses, which could be related notably to a limited impact on S1PR4 activity. Whilst it is thought that S1PR3 controls B cell function in addition to actions by S1PR1 and S1PR2, this may be species-related effect in rodents that is not yet substantiated in humans, as seen with bradycardia issues. Blunted antibody responses can be related to actions on B and T-cell subsets, germinal centre function and innate-immune biology. Although S1P1R-related functions are seeming central to control of MS and the generation of a fully functional vaccination response; the relative lack of influence on S1PR4-mediated actions on dendritic cells may increase the rate of vaccine-induced seroconversion with the newer generation of S1PR modulators and improve the risk-benefit balance IMPLICATIONS: Although fingolimod is a useful asset in controlling MS, recently-approved S1PR modulators may have beneficial biology related to pharmacokinetics, metabolism and more-restricted targeting that make it easier to generate infection-control and effective anti-viral responses to SARS-COV-2 and other pathogens. Further studies are warranted.

Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab in the pre- and post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination periods: Insights from Israel

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused challenges in the management of patients living with multiple sclerosis (PLwMS). We investigated the occurrence and severity of COVID-19 infection post-vaccination among PLwMS treated with ocrelizumab and enrolled in the Maccabi Health Services (MHS) (n = 289) or followed at the Hadassah Medical Center (HMC) (n = 80) in Israel. Most patients were fully vaccinated (MHS n = 218; HMC n = 76) and confirmed infection post-vaccination was low (3.7% and 2.6%, respectively). MHS: infection was more severe (hospitalization/intensive care unit/death) in non-vaccinated (33.3%) vs vaccinated patients (25%). HMC: one vaccinated patient required hospitalization with COVID-19 vs two unvaccinated patients. These data from two Israel cohorts suggest that occurrence of COVID-19 after mRNA vaccination is low and limited in severity.