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Li Y, Gong Y, Xu G. New insights into kidney disease after COVID-19 infection and vaccination: histopathological and clinical findings. QJM 2024; 117:317-337. [PMID: 37402613 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to its pulmonary effects, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has also been found to cause acute kidney injury (AKI), which has been linked to high mortality rates. In this review, we collected data from 20 clinical studies on post-COVID-19-related AKI and 97 cases of AKI associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Acute tubular injury was by far the most common finding in the kidneys of patients with COVID-19-related AKI. Among patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 34.0% developed AKI, of which 59.0%, 19.1% and 21.9% were Stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Though kidney disease and other adverse effects after COVID-19 vaccination overall appear rare, case reports have accumulated suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with a risk of subsequent kidney disease. Among the patients with post-vaccination AKI, the most common pathologic findings include crescentic glomerulonephritis (29.9%), acute tubular injury (23.7%), IgA nephropathy (18.6%), antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis (17.5%), minimal change disease (17.5%) and thrombotic microangiopathy (10.3%). It is important to note that crescentic glomerulonephritis appears to be more prevalent in patients who have newly diagnosed renal involvement. The proportions of patients with AKI Stages 1, 2 and 3 after COVID-19 vaccination in case reports were 30.9%, 22.7% and 46.4%, respectively. In general, clinical cases of new-onset and recurrent nephropathy with AKI after COVID-19 vaccination have a positive prognosis. In this article, we also explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of AKI associated with COVID-19 infection and its vaccination by describing key renal morphological and clinical features and prognostic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yebei Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
| | - Gaosi Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang 330006, P.R. China
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2
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Urbiola-Salvador V, Lima de Souza S, Macur K, Czaplewska P, Chen Z. Plasma Proteomics Elucidated a Protein Signature in COVID-19 Patients with Comorbidities and Early-Diagnosis Biomarkers. Biomedicines 2024; 12:840. [PMID: 38672194 PMCID: PMC11048573 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite great scientific efforts, deep understanding of coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) immunopathology and clinical biomarkers remains a challenge. Pre-existing comorbidities increase the mortality rate and aggravate the exacerbated immune response against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which can result in more severe symptoms as well as long-COVID and post-COVID complications. In this study, we applied proteomics analysis of plasma samples from 28 patients with SARS-CoV-2, with and without pre-existing comorbidities, as well as their corresponding controls to determine the systemic protein changes caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a result, the protein signature shared amongst COVID-19 patients with comorbidities was revealed to be characterized by alterations in the coagulation and complement pathways, acute-phase response proteins, tissue damage and remodeling, as well as cholesterol metabolism. These altered proteins may play a relevant role in COVID-19 pathophysiology. Moreover, several novel potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection were detected, such as increased levels of keratin K22E, extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM1), and acute-phase response protein α-2-antiplasmin (A2AP). Importantly, elevated A2AP may contribute to persistent clotting complications associated with the long-COVID syndrome in patients with comorbidities. This study provides new insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and proposes novel potential biomarkers for early diagnosis that could be facilitated for clinical application by further validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Urbiola-Salvador
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, University of Gdańsk, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Suiane Lima de Souza
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland;
| | - Katarzyna Macur
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry-Core Facility Laboratories, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry-Core Facility Laboratories, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland; (K.M.); (P.C.)
| | - Zhi Chen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland;
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3
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Baillie K, Davies HE, Keat SBK, Ladell K, Miners KL, Jones SA, Mellou E, Toonen EJM, Price DA, Morgan BP, Zelek WM. Complement dysregulation is a prevalent and therapeutically amenable feature of long COVID. MED 2024; 5:239-253.e5. [PMID: 38359836 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long COVID encompasses a heterogeneous set of ongoing symptoms that affect many individuals after recovery from infection with SARS-CoV-2. The underlying biological mechanisms nonetheless remain obscure, precluding accurate diagnosis and effective intervention. Complement dysregulation is a hallmark of acute COVID-19 but has not been investigated as a potential determinant of long COVID. METHODS We quantified a series of complement proteins, including markers of activation and regulation, in plasma samples from healthy convalescent individuals with a confirmed history of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and age/ethnicity/sex/infection/vaccine-matched patients with long COVID. FINDINGS Markers of classical (C1s-C1INH complex), alternative (Ba, iC3b), and terminal pathway (C5a, TCC) activation were significantly elevated in patients with long COVID. These markers in combination had a receiver operating characteristic predictive power of 0.794. Other complement proteins and regulators were also quantitatively different between healthy convalescent individuals and patients with long COVID. Generalized linear modeling further revealed that a clinically tractable combination of just four of these markers, namely the activation fragments iC3b, TCC, Ba, and C5a, had a predictive power of 0.785. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that complement biomarkers could facilitate the diagnosis of long COVID and further suggest that currently available inhibitors of complement activation could be used to treat long COVID. FUNDING This work was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (COV-LT2-0041), the PolyBio Research Foundation, and the UK Dementia Research Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Baillie
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Helen E Davies
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Llandough, Penarth CF64 2XX, UK
| | - Samuel B K Keat
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Kristin Ladell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Kelly L Miners
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Samantha A Jones
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Llandough, Penarth CF64 2XX, UK
| | - Ermioni Mellou
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Erik J M Toonen
- R&D Department, Hycult Biotechnology, Frontstraat 2A, 5405 PB Uden, the Netherlands
| | - David A Price
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - B Paul Morgan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
| | - Wioleta M Zelek
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK; Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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Detsika MG, Palamaris K, Dimopoulou I, Kotanidou A, Orfanos SE. The complement cascade in lung injury and disease. Respir Res 2024; 25:20. [PMID: 38178176 PMCID: PMC10768165 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complement system is an important arm of immune defense bringing innate and adaptive immunity. Although originally regarded as a major complementary defense mechanism against pathogens, continuously emerging evidence has uncovered a central role of this complex system in several diseases including lung pathologies. MAIN BODY Complement factors such as anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, their receptors C3aR, C5aR and C5aR2 as well as complement inhibitory proteins CD55, CD46 and CD59 have been implicated in pathologies such as the acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, interstitial lung diseases, and lung cancer. However, the exact mechanisms by which complement factors induce these diseases remain unclear. Several complement-targeting monoclonal antibodies are reported to treat lung diseases. CONCLUSIONS The complement system contributes to the progression of the acute and chronic lung diseases. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms will provide groundwork to develop new strategy to target complement factors for treatment of lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Detsika
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, GP Livanos and M Simou Laboratories, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3, Ploutarchou St., 10675, Athens, Greece.
| | - K Palamaris
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Dimopoulou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, GP Livanos and M Simou Laboratories, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3, Ploutarchou St., 10675, Athens, Greece
| | - A Kotanidou
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, GP Livanos and M Simou Laboratories, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3, Ploutarchou St., 10675, Athens, Greece
| | - S E Orfanos
- 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, GP Livanos and M Simou Laboratories, Evangelismos Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3, Ploutarchou St., 10675, Athens, Greece.
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5
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Płazak W, Drabik L. SARS-CoV-2 infection and SLE: endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:2691-2702. [PMID: 36622519 PMCID: PMC9827021 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06497-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
An increased risk of atherosclerotic and thrombotic complications characterizes connective tissue diseases. Endothelial dysfunction is the basis for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. We present systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a model rheumatic disease with endothelial dysfunction and discuss its mechanisms, factors that influence the early onset and rapid progression of atherosclerosis, and the increased risk of thromboembolic events. We focus on established methods to improve endothelium function, including statins, antiplatelet, and antithrombotic therapy. Hypercoagulable and hypofibrinolitic states and a hyperinflammatory response characterize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Several pathogenic mechanisms are typical for an acute phase of Covid-19 post-Covid syndrome and connective tissue diseases: endothelial dysfunction, elevated antiphospholipid antibody titer, activation of the complement system, and formation of extracellular neutrophil traps (NET). The current review discusses the mechanisms underlying SLE and the COVID-19 in the context of endothelial function, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis (Graphical abstract). Key Points • The pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Covid-19 shows some similarities, such as endothelial cell activation and dysfunction, the activation of complementary systems, the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, and the formation of extracellular neutrophil traps. • Autoimmunity in both diseases creates the basis for hyperinflammatory, hypercoagulable, and hypofibrinolitic states and their thromboembolic complications. • This paper presents our perspective on the mechanisms behind the cardiovascular manifestations of SLE and COVID-19, with a particular emphasis on endothelial dysfunction. Covid-19 and systemic lupus erythematosus-potential similarities in pathophysiology. Figures of the panel illustrate the clinical manifestations of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and thromboembolism, including coronary artery disease ([A] coronary angiography with left anterior descending artery stenosis and [B] scintigraphy with reduced perfusion in the myocardial apical segments), stroke ([C] carotid angiography, left carotid artery occlusion) and pulmonary embolism ([D]computed tomography with thrombus in the right pulmonary artery).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Płazak
- Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, John Paul II Hospital, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Leszek Drabik
- Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, John Paul II Hospital, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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6
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Sawant J, Patil A, Kurle S. A Review: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement in Viral Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1240. [PMID: 37515055 PMCID: PMC10384352 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody Dependent Enhancement (ADE) of an infection has been of interest in the investigation of many viruses. It is associated with the severity of the infection. ADE is mediated by non-neutralizing antibodies, antibodies at sub-neutralizing concentrations, or cross-reactive non-neutralizing antibodies. Treatments like plasma therapy, B cell immunizations, and antibody therapies may trigger ADE. It is seen as an impediment to vaccine development as well. In viruses including the Dengue virus (DENV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Ebola virus, Zika virus, and influenza virus, the likely mechanisms of ADE are postulated and described. ADE improves the likelihood of productively infecting cells that are expressing the complement receptor or the Fc receptor (FcR) rather than the viral receptors. ADE occurs when the FcR, particularly the Fc gamma receptor, and/or complement system, particularly Complement 1q (C1q), allow the entry of the virus-antibody complex into the cell. Moreover, ADE alters the innate immune pathways to escape from lysis, promoting viral replication inside the cell that produces viral particles. This review discusses the involvement of FcR and the downstream immunomodulatory pathways in ADE, the complement system, and innate antiviral signaling pathways modification in ADE and its impact on facilitating viral replication. Additionally, we have outlined the modes of ADE in the cases of different viruses reported until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Sawant
- HIV Drug Resistance Laboratory, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, India
| | - Ajit Patil
- HIV Drug Resistance Laboratory, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, India
| | - Swarali Kurle
- HIV Drug Resistance Laboratory, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune 411026, India
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7
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Zelek WM, Harrison RA. Complement and COVID-19: Three years on, what we know, what we don't know, and what we ought to know. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152393. [PMID: 37187043 PMCID: PMC10174470 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus was identified in China in 2019 as the causative agent of COVID-19, and quickly spread throughout the world, causing over 7 million deaths, of which 2 million occurred prior to the introduction of the first vaccine. In the following discussion, while recognising that complement is just one of many players in COVID-19, we focus on the relationship between complement and COVID-19 disease, with limited digression into directly-related areas such as the relationship between complement, kinin release, and coagulation. Prior to the 2019 COVID-19 outbreak, an important role for complement in coronavirus diseases had been established. Subsequently, multiple investigations of patients with COVID-19 confirmed that complement dysregulation is likely to be a major driver of disease pathology, in some, if not all, patients. These data fuelled evaluation of many complement-directed therapeutic agents in small patient cohorts, with claims of significant beneficial effect. As yet, these early results have not been reflected in larger clinical trials, posing questions such as who to treat, appropriate time to treat, duration of treatment, and optimal target for treatment. While significant control of the pandemic has been achieved through a global scientific and medical effort to comprehend the etiology of the disease, through extensive SARS-CoV-2 testing and quarantine measures, through vaccine development, and through improved therapy, possibly aided by attenuation of the dominant strains, it is not yet over. In this review, we summarise complement-relevant literature, emphasise its main conclusions, and formulate a hypothesis for complement involvement in COVID-19. Based on this we make suggestions as to how any future outbreak might be better managed in order to minimise impact on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioleta M Zelek
- Dementia Research Institute and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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8
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West C, Federspiel J, Rogers K, Khatri A, Rao-Dayton S, Fernandez Ocana M, Lim S, D'Antona AM, Casinghino S, Somanathan S. Complement activation by AAV-neutralizing antibody complexes. Hum Gene Ther 2023. [PMID: 37082966 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2023.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of monogenetic disorders using adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) is an area of intense interest. AAV is a human pathogen and pre-existing capsid antibodies are prevalent in the population posing a challenge to safety and efficacy of AAV-mediated gene therapies. Here we investigated the risk of AAV-mediated complement activation when sera from a cohort of human donors was exposed to AAV9 capsid. Seropositive donor sera carrying neutralizing antibodies from a previous environmental exposure activated complement when admixed with AAV9 capsids and complement-activation was associated with donors who had higher levels of ant-AAV IgG1 antibodies. These findings were consistent with Mass spectrometry analysis that identified increased binding of immunoglobulins and complement factors when AAV9 capsids were admixed with seropositive sera. Finally, complement activation was abrogated after IgG-depletion using affinity columns or serum pre-treatment with an IgG degrading enzyme. Overall, these results demonstrate an important role of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies in activating complement; a risk that can be mitigated by employing adequate immunosuppression strategies when dosing seropositive patients with vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara West
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Rare Diseases Research Unit, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Joel Federspiel
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Drug Safety Research and Development, Andover, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Kara Rogers
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Drug Safety Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut, United States;
| | - Arpana Khatri
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Rare Disease Research Unit, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Sheila Rao-Dayton
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Biomedicine Design, Morrisville, North Carolina, United States;
| | - Mireia Fernandez Ocana
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Drug Safety Research and Development, Andover, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Sean Lim
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Biomedicine design, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States;
| | | | - Sandra Casinghino
- Pfizer Inc, 2253, Drug Safety Research & Development, Groton, Connecticut, United States;
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9
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Claes KJ, Geerts I, Lemahieu W, Wilmer A, Kuypers DRJ, Koshy P, Ombelet S. Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Occurring After Receipt of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 Vaccine Booster: A Case Report. Am J Kidney Dis 2023; 81:364-367. [PMID: 36342000 PMCID: PMC9484133 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a subtype of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by a dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. Here, we report a previously healthy 38-year-old woman in whom aHUS developed after a COVID-19 vaccine booster. One day after receipt of a booster dose of mRNA-1273 vaccine, she felt ill. Because of persistent headache, nausea, and general malaise, she went to her general practitioner, who referred her to the hospital after detecting hypertension and acute kidney injury. A diagnosis of TMA was made. Her treatment consisted of blood pressure control, hemodialysis, plasma exchange, and respiratory support. Kidney biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of acute TMA. The patient was referred for treatment with eculizumab, and kidney function improved after initiation of this therapy. Genetic analysis revealed a pathogenic C3 variant. SARS-CoV-2 infection as a trigger for complement activation and development of aHUS has been described previously. In addition, there is one reported case of aHUS occurring after receipt of the adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, but, to our knowledge, this is the first case of aHUS occurring after a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a patient with an underlying pathogenic variant in complement C3. Given the time frame, we hypothesize that the vaccine probably was the trigger for development of aHUS in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Claes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Inge Geerts
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium
| | - Wim Lemahieu
- Department of Nephrology, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium
| | - Alexander Wilmer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of General Internal Medicine, Medical Intensive Care Unit, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk R J Kuypers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Sara Ombelet
- Department of Nephrology, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium
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10
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Alternative pathway dysregulation in tissues drives sustained complement activation and predicts outcome across the disease course in COVID-19. Immunology 2023. [PMID: 36175370 PMCID: PMC9537932 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement, a critical defence against pathogens, has been implicated as a driver of pathology in COVID-19. Complement activation products are detected in plasma and tissues and complement blockade is considered for therapy. To delineate roles of complement in immunopathogenesis, we undertook the largest comprehensive study of complement in COVID-19 to date, comprehensive profiling of 16 complement biomarkers, including key components, regulators and activation products, in 966 plasma samples from 682 hospitalized COVID-19 patients collected across the hospitalization period as part of the UK ISARIC4C (International Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium) study. Unsupervised clustering of complement biomarkers mapped to disease severity and supervised machine learning identified marker sets in early samples that predicted peak severity. Compared to healthy controls, complement proteins and activation products (Ba, iC3b, terminal complement complex) were significantly altered in COVID-19 admission samples in all severity groups. Elevated alternative pathway activation markers (Ba and iC3b) and decreased alternative pathway regulator (properdin) in admission samples were associated with more severe disease and risk of death. Levels of most complement biomarkers were reduced in severe disease, consistent with consumption and tissue deposition. Latent class mixed modelling and cumulative incidence analysis identified the trajectory of increase of Ba to be a strong predictor of peak COVID-19 disease severity and death. The data demonstrate that early-onset, uncontrolled activation of complement, driven by sustained and progressive amplification through the alternative pathway amplification loop is a ubiquitous feature of COVID-19, further exacerbated in severe disease. These findings provide novel insights into COVID-19 immunopathogenesis and inform strategies for therapeutic intervention.
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11
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Lippi G, Henry BM, Favaloro EJ. The Benefits of Heparin Use in COVID-19: Pleiotropic Antiviral Activity beyond Anticoagulant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Semin Thromb Hemost 2023; 49:73-75. [PMID: 35158389 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry and School of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Brandon M Henry
- Clinical Laboratory, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Disease Intervention & Prevention and Population Health Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Emmanuel J Favaloro
- Department of Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Westmead, NSW Australia.,Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
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12
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Lin L, Deng J, Tan W, Li J, Wu Z, Zheng L, Yang J. Pathogenesis and histological changes of nephropathy associated with COVID-19. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28311. [PMID: 36377540 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause damage to multiple organ, not only to the lungs, but also to the kidneys. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause acute and chronic kidney disease through direct viral infection, indirect injury, and vaccination-related injury. Like lung injury, kidney injury is also an important aspect affecting the severity and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2. This article summarizes the pathogenesis, pathological manifestations, and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 direct or indirect renal injury. Including direct injury, indirect injury, special comorbidities (receiving kidney transplantation and chronic kidney disease), and vaccine-related renal injury, and exploring the possible therapeutic effect of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy on renal injury. The purpose is to provide reference for understanding COVID-19-related renal injury, guiding clinical and pathological diagnosis and treatment, and evaluating prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Gener Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Junhui Deng
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Gener Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Gener Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Nephrology, Yongchuan People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifeng Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Gener Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Luquan Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Gener Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Jurong Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Gener Hospital), Chongqing, China
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Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE) and the role of complement system in disease pathogenesis. Mol Immunol 2022; 152:172-182. [PMCID: PMC9647202 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Razi A, Azimian A, Arezumand R, Solati A, Ahmadabad HN. Associations between serum levels of C3, C4, and total classical complement activity in COVID-19 patients at the time of admission and clinical outcome. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY 2022. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-abs-1925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the association between complement system status at the time of admission and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. This single-center study was carried out with sixty-one adult patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at Imam Hassan Hospital of North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences (Bojnurd, Iran) with less than three days passage since onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Twenty-three healthy volunteers with demographic features similar to the patient group (matched by age and gender) were included in the study as a control group. Patient information including demographic information, demographic data, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. Of 61 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 28 (47.54%) were female, and the average age was 48.78.8 years. The healthy control group included 23 cases (11 (47.8%) female, 12 (52.1%) males, mean age 46.44.4 years). Twenty-one of the 61 patients (34.4%) were admitted to the ICU, and sixteen of them (26.2%) died. Thirty-three (54.10%) patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized for less than 7 days, and 28 (45.90%) of them were hospitalized for 7 days. Our results show that length of hospital stay in the no-ICU group was significantly lower than the ICU admission or death groups (6.490.24 vs. 8.851.59 and 10.531.80, p = 0.0002). The levels of C3, C4, and CH50 were determined through the immunoturbidimetric method and single-radial-haemolysis plates, respectively, on serum samples obtained from patients at the time of admission or those in the control group. Our results indicate that C3, C4 and CH50 levels were markedly lower in COVID-19 patients than in the control group. We also found that complement parameter levels in COVID-19 patients who died or were admitted to ICU were significantly lower than in non-ICU COVID-19 patients. In general, it seems that serum level of C3, C4, and CH50 at admission may predict disease progression or adverse clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients.
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Subramaniam S, Kothari H, Bosmann M. Tissue factor in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. Thromb Res 2022; 220:35-47. [PMID: 36265412 PMCID: PMC9525243 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2022.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Evidence of micro- and macro-thrombi in the arteries and veins of critically ill COVID-19 patients and in autopsies highlight the occurrence of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC). Clinical findings of critically ill COVID-19 patients point to various mechanisms for CAC; however, the definitive underlying cause is unclear. Multiple factors may contribute to the prothrombotic state in patients with COVID-19. Aberrant expression of tissue factor (TF), an initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, leads to thrombotic complications during injury, inflammation, and infections. Clinical evidence suggests that TF-dependent coagulation activation likely plays a role in CAC. Multiple factors could trigger abnormal TF expression and coagulation activation in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Proinflammatory cytokines that are highly elevated in COVID-19 (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) are known induce TF expression on leukocytes (e.g. monocytes, macrophages) and non-immune cells (e.g. endothelium, epithelium) in other conditions. Antiphospholipid antibodies, TF-positive extracellular vesicles, pattern recognition receptor (PRR) pathways and complement activation are all candidate factors that could trigger TF-dependent procoagulant activity. In addition, coagulation factors, such as thrombin, may further potentiate the induction of TF via protease-activated receptors on cells. In this systematic review, with other viral infections, we discuss potential mechanisms and cell-type-specific expressions of TF during SARS-CoV-2 infection and its role in the development of CAC.
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16
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Castanha PMS, Tuttle DJ, Kitsios GD, Jacobs JL, Braga-Neto U, Duespohl M, Rathod S, Marti MM, Wheeler S, Naqvi A, Staines B, Mellors J, Morris A, McVerry BJ, Shah F, Schaefer C, Macatangay BJC, Methe B, Fernandez CA, Barratt-Boyes SM, Burke D, Marques ETA. Contribution of Coronavirus-Specific Immunoglobulin G Responses to Complement Overactivation in Patients with Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:766-777. [PMID: 35267024 PMCID: PMC8992249 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive complement activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the mechanisms leading to this response remain unclear. METHODS We measured plasma levels of key complement markers, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal human common cold coronaviruses (CCCs) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 of moderate (n = 18) and critical severity (n = 37) and in healthy controls (n = 10). RESULTS We confirmed that complement activation is systemically increased in patients with COVID-19 and is associated with a worse disease outcome. We showed that plasma levels of C1q and circulating immune complexes were markedly increased in patients with severe COVID-19 and correlated with higher immunoglobulin (Ig) G titers, greater complement activation, and higher disease severity score. Additional analyses showed that the classical pathway was the main arm responsible for augmented complement activation in severe patients. In addition, we demonstrated that a rapid IgG response to SARS-CoV-2 and an anamnestic IgG response to the nucleoprotein of the CCCs were strongly correlated with circulating immune complex levels, complement activation, and disease severity. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that early, nonneutralizing IgG responses may play a key role in complement overactivation in severe COVID-19. Our work underscores the urgent need to develop therapeutic strategies to modify complement overactivation in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila M S Castanha
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dylan J Tuttle
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Georgios D Kitsios
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Medicine and the Microbiome, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jana L Jacobs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ulisses Braga-Neto
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew Duespohl
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sanjay Rathod
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michelle M Marti
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah Wheeler
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Asma Naqvi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brittany Staines
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John Mellors
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alison Morris
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Medicine and the Microbiome, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bryan J McVerry
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Medicine and the Microbiome, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Faraaz Shah
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Caitlin Schaefer
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bernard J C Macatangay
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Barbara Methe
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Medicine and the Microbiome, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christian A Fernandez
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Simon M Barratt-Boyes
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Donald Burke
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ernesto T A Marques
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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C3a and C5b-9 Differentially Predict COVID-19 Progression and Outcome. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091335. [PMID: 36143371 PMCID: PMC9504647 DOI: 10.3390/life12091335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in severe pneumonia leading to mechanical ventilation and intensive care (ICU) treatment. Complement activation was verified in COVID-19 and implicated as a contributor to COVID-19 pathogenesis. This study assessed the predictive potential of complement factors C3a and C5b-9 for COVID-19 progression and outcome. We grouped 80 COVID-19 patients into severe COVID-19 patients (n = 38) and critically ill (n = 42) and subdivided into non-intubated (n = 48) and intubated (n = 32), survivors (n = 57) and non-survivors (n = 23). Results: A significant increase for C3a and C5b-9 levels was observed between: severely and critically ill patients (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001), non-intubated vs intubated (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), survivors vs non-survivors (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01). ROC analysis for the need for ICU treatment revealed a higher AUC for C5b-9 (0.764, p < 0.001) compared to C3a (AUC = 0.739, p < 0.01). A higher AUC was observed for C3a for the need for intubation (AUC = 0.722, p < 0.001) or mortality (AUC = 0.740, p < 0.0001) compared to C5b-9 (need for intubation AUC = 0.656, p < 0.05 and mortality AUC = 0.631, p = NS). Combining the two markers revealed a powerful prediction tool for ICU admission (AUC = 0.773, p < 0.0001), intubation (AUC = 0.756, p < 0.0001) and mortality (AUC = 0.753, p < 0.001). C3a and C5b-9 may be considered as prognostic tools separately or in combination for the progression and outcome of COVID-19.
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18
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Efficacy and safety of the investigational complement C5 inhibitor zilucoplan in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: an open-label randomized controlled trial. Respir Res 2022; 23:202. [PMID: 35945604 PMCID: PMC9361275 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy and safety of complement inhibition in COVID-19 patients is unclear. Methods A multicenter randomized controlled, open-label trial. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with signs of systemic inflammation and hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2 below 350 mmHg) were randomized (2:1 ratio) to receive standard of care with or without the C5 inhibitor zilucoplan daily for 14 days, under antibiotic prophylaxis. The primary outcome was improvement in oxygenation at day 6 and 15. Results 81 patients were randomly assigned to zilucoplan (n = 55) or the control group (n = 26). 78 patients were included in the safety and primary analysis. Most were men (87%) and the median age was 63 years. The mean improvement in PaO2/FiO2 from baseline to day 6 was 56.4 mmHg in the zilucoplan group and 20.6 mmHg in the control group (mean difference + 35.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 9.4 to 80.9; p = 0.12), an effect also observed at day 15. Day 28 mortality was 9% in the zilucoplan and 21% in the control group (odds ratio 0.4; 95% CI 0.1 to 1.5). At long-term follow up, the distance walked in a 6-min test was 539.7 m in zilucoplan and 490.6 m in the control group (p = 0.18). Zilucoplan lowered serum C5b-9 (p < 0.001) and interleukin-8 (p = 0.03) concentration compared with control. No relevant safety differences between the zilucoplan and control group were identified. Conclusion Administration of zilucoplan to COVID-19 patients in this proof-of-concept randomized trial was well tolerated under antibiotic prophylaxis. While not reaching statistical significance, indicators of respiratory function (PaO2/FiO2) and clinical outcome (mortality and 6-min walk test) suggest that C5 inhibition might be beneficial, although this requires further research in larger randomized studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02126-2.
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19
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Hassan AE, Fahmy MM, Sherif DE, Habib EM, Ahmed MH, Nosair NA, Farahat N. Prognostic significance of complement factors in severely ill patients with COVID-19. J Investig Med 2022; 70:1466-1471. [PMID: 35940732 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-002224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Coagulopathy, cytokine release, platelet hyperactivity and endothelial activation are regarded as potential major contributors to COVID-19 morbidity. Complement activation might provide a bridge linking these factors in severe COVID-19 illness. In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of selected complement factors in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The study included 300 hospitalized adults with severe COVID-19 infection. Complement factors (C3, C3a, C4, sC5b-9) were assessed by commercial ELISA kits. Outcome parameters included mortality, intensive care unit admission and duration of hospital stay. It was found that survivors had significantly higher serum C3 (median (IQR): 128.5 (116.3-141.0) mg/dL vs 98.0 (70.0-112.8) mg/dL, p<0.001) and C4 (median (IQR): 36.0 (30.0-42.0) mg/dL vs 31.0 (26.0-35.0) mg/dL, p<0.001) levels when compared with non-survivors. On the other hand, it was shown that survivors had significantly lower C3a (median (IQR): 203.0 (170.3-244.0) ng/mL vs 385.0 (293.0-424.8) ng/mL, p<0.001) and sC5b-9 (median (IQR): 294.0 (242.0-318.8) ng/mL vs 393.0 (342.0-436.5) ng/mL, p<0.001) levels when compared with non-survivors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified C3a (OR: 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.99), p<0.001) and C4 (OR: 0.92 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.98), p=0.011) levels as significant predictors of mortality. In conclusion, serum levels of complement factors are related to mortality in severely ill patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa E Hassan
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Mai M Fahmy
- Clinical Pathology Department, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Dalia E Sherif
- Clinical Pathology Department, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Eman M Habib
- Clinical Pathology Department, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Mohammed H Ahmed
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Nahla A Nosair
- Clinical Pathology Department, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Nahla Farahat
- Clinical Pathology Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Abstract
COVID-19 is a primary respiratory illness that is frequently complicated by systemic involvement of the vasculature. Vascular involvement leads to an array of complications ranging from thrombosis to pulmonary edema secondary to loss of barrier function. This review will address the vasculopathy of COVID-19 with a focus on the role of the endothelium in orchestrating the systemic response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The endothelial receptor systems and molecular pathways activated in the setting of COVID-19 and the consequences of these inflammatory and prothrombotic changes on endothelial cell function will be discussed. The sequelae of COVID-19 vascular involvement at the level of organ systems will also be addressed, with an emphasis on the pulmonary vasculature but with consideration of effects on other vascular beds. The dramatic changes in endothelial phenotypes associated with COVID-19 has enabled the identification of biomarkers that could help guide therapy and predict outcomes. Knowledge of vascular pathogenesis in COVID-19 has also informed therapeutic approaches that may control its systemic sequelae. Because our understanding of vascular response in COVID-19 continues to evolve, we will consider areas of controversy, such as the extent to which SARS-CoV-2 directly infects endothelium and the degree to which vascular responses to SARS-CoV-2 are unique or common to those of other viruses capable of causing severe respiratory disease. This conceptual framework describing how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects endothelial inflammation, prothrombotic transformation, and barrier dysfunction will provide a context for interpreting new information as it arises addressing the vascular complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alec A Schmaier
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis and
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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21
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Henry BM, Sinkovits G, Szergyuk I, de Oliveira MHS, Lippi G, Benoit JL, Favaloro EJ, Pode-Shakked N, Benoit SW, Cooper DS, Müller V, Iványi Z, Gál J, Réti M, Gopcsa L, Reményi P, Szathmáry B, Lakatos B, Szlávik J, Bobek I, Prohászka ZZ, Förhécz Z, Csuka D, Hurler L, Kajdácsi E, Cervenak L, Mező B, Kiszel P, Masszi T, Vályi-Nagy I, Prohászka Z. Complement Levels at Admission Reflecting Progression to Severe Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:796109. [PMID: 35572977 PMCID: PMC9100416 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.796109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulation of complement system is thought to be a major player in development of multi-organ damage and adverse outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to examine associations between complement system activity and development of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods In this multicenter, international study, complement as well as inflammatory and thrombotic parameters were analyzed in COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization at one US and two Hungarian centers. The primary endpoint was development of severe AKI defined by KDIGO stage 2+3 criteria, while the secondary endpoint was need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Complement markers with significant associations with endpoints were then correlated with a panel of inflammatory and thrombotic biomarkers and assessed for independent association with outcome measures using logistic regression. Results A total of 131 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (median age 66 [IQR, 54–75] years; 54.2% males) were enrolled, 33 from the US, and 98 from Hungary. There was a greater prevalence of complement over-activation and consumption in those who developed severe AKI and need for RRT during hospitalization. C3a/C3 ratio was increased in groups developing severe AKI (3.29 vs. 1.71; p < 0.001) and requiring RRT (3.42 vs. 1.79; p < 0.001) in each cohort. Decrease in alternative and classical pathway activity, and consumption of C4 below reference range, as well as elevation of complement activation marker C3a above the normal was more common in patients progressing to severe AKI. In the Hungarian cohort, each standard deviation increase in C3a (SD = 210.1) was independently associated with 89.7% increased odds of developing severe AKI (95% CI, 7.6–234.5%). Complement was extensively correlated with an array of inflammatory biomarkers and a prothrombotic state. Conclusion Consumption and dysregulation of complement system is associated with development of severe AKI in COVID-19 patients and could represent a promising therapeutic target for reducing thrombotic microangiopathy in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M. Henry
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Disease Intervention and Prevention and Population Health Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Brandon M. Henry
| | - György Sinkovits
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ivan Szergyuk
- Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Justin L. Benoit
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Emmanuel J. Favaloro
- Haematology, Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Westmead Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Naomi Pode-Shakked
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Stefanie W. Benoit
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - David S. Cooper
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Veronika Müller
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Iványi
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Gál
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marienn Réti
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Gopcsa
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Reményi
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Szathmáry
- Department of Infectology, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Botond Lakatos
- Department of Infectology, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Szlávik
- Department of Infectology, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ilona Bobek
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zita Z. Prohászka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Förhécz
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Csuka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lisa Hurler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erika Kajdácsi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Cervenak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Blanka Mező
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University - Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Kiszel
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University - Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Masszi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Vályi-Nagy
- Department of Infectology, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Central Hospital of Southern Pest National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Prohászka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University - Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
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22
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Fedorchenko Y, Zimba O. CYTOKINES AS POTENTIAL MARKERS OF COVID-19 SEVERITY AND OUTCOMES. CENTRAL ASIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HYPOTHESES AND ETHICS 2022. [DOI: 10.47316/cajmhe.2022.3.1.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The continual propagation of SARS-CoV-2 has changed health care systems globally. Ranging degrees of clinical severity in COVID-19 patients have been noted in numerous literature sources. Cytokines play a crucial role in the development of key immunological processes in COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 causes imbalance of the immune system and might culminate in cytokine storm and multiple organ involvement. The prevailing role of some special cytokines might serve as indicators of disease severity. Further stratification of patients in the context of specific cytokines can be beneficial for diagnosing disease stages. It can prevent critical states owing to timely diagnosis and targeted therapy. Targeting peculiar cytokines can markedly reduce complications. The aim of this article is to comprehensively overview the role of the main cytokines in COVID-19 pathogenesis and distinguish prognostic factors. Insights into specific cytokine involvement in COVID-19 pathogenesis may open new avenues for diagnosing hyperinflammatory COVID-19, predicting its outcomes and providing individualized cytokine-targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Fujimura Y, Holland LZ. COVID-19 microthrombosis: unusually large VWF multimers are a platform for activation of the alternative complement pathway under cytokine storm. Int J Hematol 2022; 115:457-469. [PMID: 35316498 PMCID: PMC8938647 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-022-03324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
ADAMTS13, a metalloproteinase, specifically cleaves unusually large multimers of von Willebrand factor (VWF), newly released from vascular endothelial cells. The ratio of ADAMTS13 activity to VWF antigen (ADAMTS13/VWF) and indicators of the alternative complement pathway (C3a and sC5b-9) are both related to the severity of COVID-19. The ADAMTS13/VWF ratio is generally moderately decreased (0.18–0.35) in patients with severe COVID-19. When these patients experience cytokine storms, both interleukin-8 and TNFα stimulate VWF release from vascular endothelial cells, while interleukin-6 inhibits both production of ADAMTS13 and its interaction with VWF, resulting in localized severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity. Platelet factor 4 and thrombospondin-1, both released upon platelet activation, bind to the VWF-A2 domain and enhance the blockade of ADAMTS13 function. Thus, the released unusually-large VWF multimers remain associated with the vascular endothelial cell surface, via anchoring with syndecan-1 in the glycocalyx. Unfolding of the VWF-A2 domain, which has high sequence homology with complement factor B, allows the domain to bind to activated complement C3b, providing a platform for complement activation of the alternative pathway. The resultant C3a and C5a generate tissue factor-rich neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which induce the mixed immunothrombosis, fibrin clots and platelet aggregates typically seen in patients with severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Fujimura
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, Nara Medical University, Shijyocho-840, Kashihara City, Nara, Japan.
| | - Linda Z Holland
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution Oceanography, University California San Diego, 4400 Hubbs Hall, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0202, USA
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Charitos P, Heijnen IAFM, Egli A, Bassetti S, Trendelenburg M, Osthoff M. Functional Activity of the Complement System in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study. Front Immunol 2021; 12:765330. [PMID: 34777382 PMCID: PMC8581394 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Although the exact factors promoting disease progression in COVID-19 are not fully elucidated, unregulated activation of the complement system (CS) seems to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) induced by SARS-CoV-2. In particular, the lectin pathway (LP) has been implicated in previous autopsy studies. The primary purpose of our study is to investigate the role of the CS in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with varying degrees of disease severity. Methods In a single-center prospective observational study, 154 hospitalized patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Serum samples on admission to the COVID-19 ward were collected for analysis of CS pathway activities and concentrations of LP proteins [mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolin-3 (FCN-3)] & C1 esterase inhibitor (C1IHN). The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation or in-hospital death. Results The patients were predominately male and had multiple comorbidities. ICU admission was required in 16% of the patients and death (3%) or mechanical ventilation occurred in 23 patients (15%). There was no significant difference in LP activity, MBL and FCN-3 concentrations according to different peak disease severities. The median alternative pathway (AP) activity was significantly lower (65%, IQR 50-94) in patients with death/invasive ventilation compared to patients without (87%, IQR 68-102, p=0.026). An optimal threshold of <65.5% for AP activity was derived from a ROC curve resulting in increased odds for death or mechanical ventilation (OR 4,93; 95% CI 1.70-14.33, p=0.003) even after adjustment for confounding factors. Classical pathway (CP) activity was slightly lower in patients with more severe disease (median 101% for death/mechanical ventilation vs 109%, p=0.014). C1INH concentration correlated positively with length of stay, inflammatory markers and disease severity on admission but not during follow-up. Conclusion Our results point to an overactivated AP in critically ill COVID-19 patients in vivo leading to complement consumption and consequently to a significantly reduced AP activity in vitro. The LP does not seem to play a role in the progression to severe COVID-19. Apart from its acute phase reaction the significance of C1INH in COVID-19 requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingmar A F M Heijnen
- Division of Medical Immunology, Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Egli
- Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Bassetti
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marten Trendelenburg
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Osthoff
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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