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Imran M, Ali S, Ibrahim AA, Amjad A, Tanveer A, Khalil S, Ali M, Abuelazm M. Effect of methotrexate hold on COVID-19 vaccine response in the patients with autoimmune inflammatory disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:2203-2214. [PMID: 38802670 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-07013-3] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate (MTX), can suppress the COVID-19 vaccine response in patients with autoimmune diseases. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of MTX hold following COVID-19 vaccination on vaccine efficacy response. A systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant studies retrieved from Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, and CENTRAL from inception until Oct 1, 2023, was conducted. Covidence was used to screen the eligible articles, and all relevant outcomes data were synthesized using risk ratios (RRs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in meta-analysis models within RevMan 5.4. PROSPERO ID: CRD42024511628. Four studies with a total of 762 patients with autoimmune inflammatory disorders were included. Holding MTX following the COVID-19 vaccination for approximately 2 weeks was associated with significantly higher antibody titer (SMD: 0.70, 95% CI [0.54, 0.87], P < 0.00001). However, the flare rate was significantly higher in the MTX hold group based on CDAI > 10 or DAS28-CRP > 1.2 either after 1st dose (RR: 2.49 with 95% CI [1.39, 4.47], P = 0.002) or 2nd dose (RR: 2.16 with 95% CI [1.37, 3.41], P = 0.0009) and self-reported disease flare (RR: 1.71 with 95% CI [1.35, 2.17], P < 0.00001). Holding MTX for 2 weeks after the COVID-19 vaccination resulted in significantly higher antibody titer but also had a higher disease flare rate, necessitating cautious clinical monitoring during this period. There is still a need to investigate safer MTX hold duration, considering patients' vulnerability to COVID-19, disease status, and demographics while adopting this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran
- University College of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Shujaat Ali
- University College of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Areeb Amjad
- University College of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aiman Tanveer
- University College of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saba Khalil
- Faculty of Medicine, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mansab Ali
- University College of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
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Sato H, Nagatani K, Minota S. Diminished antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in rheumatoid arthritis compared to metabolic disorders following the primary series of vaccinations and its recovery with a booster: A single-center prospective observational study. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e15203. [PMID: 38924257 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.15203] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
AIM To compare antibody responses after vaccinations between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with metabolic disorders (MD). The study places special emphasis on understanding how common diseases affect antibody responses in individuals with RA within real-world settings. METHODS The participants were 117 patients with RA (66 with RA only and 51 with RA and MD) and 37 patients with MD who received both the primary series of vaccinations and a booster. Antibody titers were compared after the primary series of vaccinations and a booster, and factors influencing the antibody response were assessed. RESULTS Following the primary series of vaccinations, a significant reduction in antibody titers was observed in patients with longer days between vaccination and antibody measurement, the use of IL-6 inhibitors, selective T cell co-stimulation modulators, and methotrexate. Comorbid MD did not exhibit significant influences on antibody response in RA. Notably, the presence of RA itself was not significant in multivariate linear regression analysis. After the administration of the booster, however, day between vaccination and antibody measurement, the use of IL-6 inhibitor, and methotrexate no longer remained significant. Only the use of selective T cell co-stimulation modulators retained its significance. CONCLUSIONS MD did not exhibit a significant impact on antibody responses in RA patients. The reduced antibody response following the primary series in RA patients appeared to be attributed more to specific RA medications rather than to the disease itself. Booster vaccines are vital in restoring the antibody response in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katsuya Nagatani
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Seiji Minota
- Nasu-Kogen Clinic, Nasu-Shiobara, Tochigi, Japan
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3
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Gupta V, Gupta VK, Bajwa NK, Sachdeva A, Garg R, Ghosh A. Immunogenicity of Covishield vaccine in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. J Family Med Prim Care 2024; 13:1904-1910. [PMID: 38948615 PMCID: PMC11213385 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1021_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been the biggest threat to humankind during the last 3 years. It has caused the loss of more than 6.9 million precious lives across the world. The only method by which the massacre could be stopped was by mass vaccination or mass immunization. The patients suffering from autoimmune rheumatic disorders (AIRDs) and treated with immunosuppressants were the high-priority candidates for vaccination. However, the data regarding the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in this group of patients are very less. Hence, this study was planned to study the immunogenicity of Covishield in patients with AIRDs attending the rheumatology OPD at DMCH, Ludhiana. Materials and Methods It was a prospective cohort study and was planned by the Department of Biochemistry and Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. Fifty patients with AIRDs attending the DMCH rheumatology OPD and 52 age and sex-matched healthy controls who had received two doses of Covishield vaccine were included in this study. Patients having any other immunosuppressive conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, hepatitis, malignancy or HIV were excluded. Patients who had suffered from previous laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection (by RT-PCR) were also excluded. Blood samples were collected following all aseptic precautions from patients and controls on the 28th day after administration of a second dose of Covishield vaccine and total antibodies to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike (S) protein receptor binding domain was measured using Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S kit from Roche. Results It was observed that no significant difference was there in antibody titre between cases and controls (6213 ± 4418 vs. 8331 ± 7979, P = 0.1022). It was also observed that no statistically significant difference in antibody titre in cases without prednisolone and those taking treatment with prednisolone was found (P = 0.7058). A similar observation was found in terms of methotrexate also (P = 0.457). No significant difference in antibody titres was there when compared with controls (for prednisolone, P = 0.169, for methotrexate, P = 0.078). We found that only the patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil showed a statistically significant decrease in antibody titre in comparison to healthy controls (P = 0.03). Our study showed no statistically significant difference in antibody titres between patients suffering from different AIRDs. Conclusion Our study supplements the fact that patients with AIRDs in India can receive Covishield as the primary vaccine against COVID-19 without concerns regarding decreased immunogenicity or increased adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Gupta
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, DMC and H, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Vikram Kumar Gupta
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, DMC and H, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | | | - Ashi Sachdeva
- Medical Officer, Umeed Multispeciality Hospital, Sangrur, Punjab, India
| | - Rupali Garg
- General Medicine, DMC and H, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Abhra Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry, DMC and H, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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4
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Martínez-Fleta P, Vicente-Rabaneda EF, Triguero-Martínez A, Roy-Vallejo E, Uriarte-Ecenarro M, Gutiérrez-Rodríguez F, Quiroga-Colina P, Romero-Robles A, Montes N, García-Castañeda N, Mejía-Abril GP, García-Vadillo JA, Llorente-Cubas I, Villagrasa JR, Serra López-Matencio JM, Ancochea J, Urzainqui A, Esparcia-Pinedo L, Alfranca A, de la Fuente H, García-Vicuña R, Sánchez-Madrid F, González-Álvaro I, Castañeda S. Beneficial effect of temporary methotrexate interruption on B and T cell responses upon SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:21. [PMID: 38291047 PMCID: PMC10827732 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00805-3] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
B and T cell responses were evaluated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) after 1 or 2 weeks of methotrexate (MTX) withdrawal following each COVID-19 vaccine dose and compared with those who maintained MTX. Adult RA and PsA patients treated with MTX were recruited and randomly assigned to 3 groups: MTX-maintenance (n = 72), MTX-withdrawal for 1 week (n = 71) or MTX-withdrawal for 2 weeks (n = 73). Specific antibodies to several SARS-CoV-2 antigens and interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-21 responses were assessed. MTX withdrawal in patients without previous COVID-19 was associated with higher levels of anti-RBD IgG and neutralising antibodies, especially in the 2-week withdrawal group and with higher IFN-γ secretion upon stimulation with pools of SARS-CoV-2 S peptides. No increment of RA/PsA relapses was detected across groups. Our data indicate that two-week MTX interruption following COVID-19 vaccination in patients with RA or PsA improves humoral and cellular immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Martínez-Fleta
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther F Vicente-Rabaneda
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Triguero-Martínez
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia Roy-Vallejo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miren Uriarte-Ecenarro
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Gutiérrez-Rodríguez
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Quiroga-Colina
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Romero-Robles
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Montes
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Noelia García-Castañeda
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gina P Mejía-Abril
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús A García-Vadillo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Llorente-Cubas
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - José R Villagrasa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Serra López-Matencio
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Ancochea
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pneumology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
- Cátedra UAM-Roche, EPID-Future, Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Urzainqui
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Esparcia-Pinedo
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
| | - Arantzazu Alfranca
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Cardiovascular CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hortensia de la Fuente
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Cardiovascular CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario García-Vicuña
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Sánchez-Madrid
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Cardiovascular CIBERCV, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidoro González-Álvaro
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Santos Castañeda
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa IIS-Princesa (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa), Madrid, Spain.
- Cátedra UAM-Roche, EPID-Future, Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain.
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Shirata M, Ito I, Tanaka M, Murata K, Murakami K, Ikeda H, Oi I, Hamao N, Nishioka K, Hayashi Y, Nagao M, Hashimoto M, Ito H, Ueno H, Morinobu A, Hirai T. Impact of methotrexate on humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4707-4720. [PMID: 37582911 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate the undetermined impact of methotrexate (MTX) on the cumulative immunogenicity elicited by three doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We prospectively evaluated vaccine-induced immune responses following the first dose, 1 and 6 months after the second dose, and 1 month after the third dose of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 in 144 SARS-CoV-2 naïve participants (70 patients with RA, 29 disease controls without immunosuppressive conditions, and 45 healthy controls). Humoral immune responses were assessed by quantifying anti-spike IgG antibody titers and the capacity of circulating antibodies to neutralize the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain and the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Vaccine-induced T-cell responses were measured using an interferon-gamma release assay. At 1 and 6 months after the second dose, anti-spike titers were highest in healthy controls, followed by disease controls and patients with RA. Multivariate analyses revealed that MTX treatment was significantly associated with a decrease in anti-spike titers, neutralizing activity, and SARS-CoV-2-specific interferon-gamma levels. Furthermore, MTX dose per body weight was negatively correlated with these two indices of humoral immune response. The third vaccine dose boosted anti-spike titers, especially in patients receiving MTX, while sera from these patients neutralized the Omicron variant far less robustly than those from healthy controls. In conclusion, MTX attenuated immunogenicity following two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in patients with RA, particularly resulting in dose-dependent suppression of the humoral immune response. Furthermore, MTX deteriorated the neutralizing activity against the Omicron variant, even after the third immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Shirata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Isao Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sugita Genpaku Memorial Obama Municipal Hospital, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Masao Tanaka
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Murata
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kosaku Murakami
- Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ikeda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sugita Genpaku Memorial Obama Municipal Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Issei Oi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sugita Genpaku Memorial Obama Municipal Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Hamao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sugita Genpaku Memorial Obama Municipal Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Kensuke Nishioka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sugita Genpaku Memorial Obama Municipal Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Hayashi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Miki Nagao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motomu Hashimoto
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiromu Ito
- Department of Advanced Medicine for Rheumatic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Ueno
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Morinobu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toyohiro Hirai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Shogoin-Kawaharacho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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Limoges MA, Lortie A, Demontier É, Quenum AJI, Lessard F, Drouin Z, Carrier N, Nguimbus LM, Beaulieu MC, Boire G, Piché A, Allard-Chamard H, Ramanathan S, Roux S. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine-induced immune responses in rheumatoid arthritis. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:358-367. [PMID: 37478373 PMCID: PMC10533224 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to characterize T and B cell responses to vaccination with SARS-CoV-2 antigens in immunocompromised rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. In 22 RA patients, clinical and biological variables were analyzed before and 4 weeks after each of 3 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine doses and compared with unmatched healthy individuals. Sequentially sampled peripheral blood mononuclear cells and sera were collected to determine immune profiles and to analyze the T cell response to a spike peptide pool and B cell specificity to the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Anti-spike antibodies were detectable in 6 of 22 RA patients after 1 dose of vaccine with increasing titers after each booster dose, although the overall response was lower compared with that in healthy control individuals. Responding patients after the first dose were more likely to have RA antibodies and a higher baseline proportion of circulating follicular B cells. In RA patients, the mRNA vaccine elicited a robust CD4+ T response to a spike peptide pool following the first and second doses. Consistent with the serologies, RBD-specific B cells exhibited a modest increase after the first dose and the second dose resulted in marked increases only in a fraction of the RA patients to both ancestral and omicron RBD. Our results highlight the importance of multidose COVID-19 vaccination in RA patients to develop a protective humoral response. However, these patients rapidly develop specific T CD4+ responses, despite delayed B cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Limoges
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Audrey Lortie
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Élodie Demontier
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Akouavi Julite Irmine Quenum
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Félix Lessard
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Zacharie Drouin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Nathalie Carrier
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Leopold Mbous Nguimbus
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Marie-Claude Beaulieu
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Gilles Boire
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Alain Piché
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Hugues Allard-Chamard
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
| | - Sophie Roux
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12th avenue N, Sherbrooke, PQ, Canada, J1H5N4
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7
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Wroński J, Ciechomska M, Kuca-Warnawin E. Impact of methotrexate treatment on vaccines immunogenicity in adult rheumatological patients - Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115254. [PMID: 37542854 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115254] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of new biological and synthetic targeted therapies, methotrexate remains one of the most commonly used immunomodulatory drugs in rheumatology. However, its effect on the immunogenicity of vaccines has been studied only to a limited extent until recently, resulting in the lack of clear guidelines on the use of methotrexate during vaccination. Significant progress was made during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the dynamic development of research on vaccines, including patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. In the following literature review, we present a summary of what we know so far on the impact of methotrexate on post-vaccination response in adult rheumatology patients, taking into account the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies on the effect of methotrexate on the immunogenicity of influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, hepatitis A, yellow fever, and COVID-19 vaccines are described in detail, including the effect of methotrexate on the humoral and cellular response of individual vaccines. The available evidence for recommendations for withholding methotrexate in the post-vaccination period is presented. Lastly, an overview of potential immunological mechanisms through which MTX modulates the immunogenicity of vaccinations is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wroński
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Marzena Ciechomska
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kuca-Warnawin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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Schäfer A, Kovacs MS, Eder A, Nigg A, Feuchtenberger M. TNF inhibitors significantly attenuate the humoral immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2023; 7:rkad065. [PMID: 37560623 PMCID: PMC10406699 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkad065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies on the immunogenicity of vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases have evaluated the influence of DMARDs. The aim of the work presented here was to compare the humoral vaccine response after two vaccinations between patients with RA undergoing TNF inhibitor therapy and healthy controls. METHODS We assessed the humoral immune response, as measured by titres of neutralizing antibodies against the S1 antigen of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in patients with RA and anti-TNF treatment vs. controls without immunomodulatory medication. One hundred and seven fully vaccinated individuals were included at 6 ± 1 weeks after the second vaccination [BioNTech/Pfizer (72.9%), AstraZeneca (17.8%) and Moderna (9.3%)]. Immune responses in terms of antibody titres were compared between both subgroups with (n = 45) and without (n = 62) exposure to anti-TNF medication. The comparison was performed as a cross-sectional, single-centre study approach using non-parametric tests for central tendency. RESULTS Anti-TNF medication produced a significantly impaired humoral immune response to vaccination against COVID-19. The maximum immune response was detected in 77.4% of control patients, whereas this decreased to 62.2% in participants treated with TNF inhibitors (P = 0.045; effect size, d = 0.194). Patients on combination treatment (anti-TNF medication and MTX, 17 of 45 subjects in the treatment group) did not differ significantly regarding humoral immune response compared with patients on monotherapy with TNF inhibitors only (P = 0.214). CONCLUSION TNF inhibitors significantly reduce the humoral response following dual vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Schäfer
- Diabetes Zentrum Mergentheim, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Anna Eder
- Rheumatologie, MVZ MED BAYERN OST, Burghausen, Germany
| | - Axel Nigg
- Rheumatologie, MVZ MED BAYERN OST, Burghausen, Germany
| | - Martin Feuchtenberger
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Rheumatologie, MVZ MED BAYERN OST, Burghausen, Germany
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Tobudic S, Simader E, Deimel T, Straub J, Kartnig F, Heinz LX, Mandl P, Haslacher H, Perkmann T, Schneider L, Nothnagl T, Radner H, Winkler F, Burgmann H, Stiasny K, Novacek G, Reinisch W, Aletaha D, Winkler S, Blüml S. The accelerated waning of immunity and reduced effect of booster in patients treated with bDMARD and tsDMARD after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1049157. [PMID: 36844197 PMCID: PMC9947701 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1049157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the duration of humoral responses after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in patients with inflammatory joint diseases and IBD and booster vaccination compared with healthy controls. It also aimed to analyze factors influencing the quantity and quality of the immune response. Methods We enrolled 41 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 35 with seronegative spondyloarthritis (SpA), and 41 suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), excluding those receiving B-cell-depleting therapies. We assessed total anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies (Abs) and neutralizing Ab titers 6 months after two and then after three doses of mRNA vaccines compared with healthy controls. We analyzed the influence of therapies on the humoral response. Results Patients receiving biological or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) showed reduced anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Abs and neutralizing Ab titers compared with HC or patients receiving conventional synthetic (cs)DMARDs 6 months after the first two vaccination doses. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S titers of patients with b/tsDMARDs declined more rapidly, leading to a significant reduction in the duration of vaccination-induced immunity after two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. While 23% of HC and 19% of patients receiving csDMARDs were without detectable neutralizing Abs 6 months after the first two vaccination doses, this number was 62% in patients receiving b/tsDMARDs and 52% in patients receiving a combination of csDMARDs and b/tsDMARDs. Booster vaccination led to increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Abs in all HC and patients. However, anti-SARS-CoV-2 S Abs after booster vaccination was diminished in patients receiving b/tsDMARDs, either alone or in combination with csDMARDs compared to HC. Conclusion Patients receiving b/tsDMARDs have significantly reduced Abs and neutralizing Ab titers 6 months after mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. This was due to a faster decline in Ab levels, indicating a significantly reduced duration of vaccination-induced immunity compared with HC or patients receiving csDMARDs. In addition, they display a reduced response to a booster vaccination, warranting earlier booster vaccination strategies in patients under b/tsDMARD therapy, according to their specific Ab levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Tobudic
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Simader
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Deimel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jennifer Straub
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Kartnig
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard X. Heinz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Mandl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmuth Haslacher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Perkmann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Schneider
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Nothnagl
- Department of Second Medical, Lower Austrian Centre for Rheumatology, Korneuburg-Stockerau Hospital, Stockerau, Austria
| | - Helga Radner
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Winkler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Burgmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gottfried Novacek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Reinisch
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Winkler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Blüml
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,*Correspondence: Stephan Blüml,
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Schäfer A, Kovacs MS, Eder A, Nigg A, Feuchtenberger M. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors significantly reduce the humoral vaccination response against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:3707-3714. [PMID: 35965290 PMCID: PMC9376125 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06329-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recently, a number of studies have explored the possible attenuation of the immune response by disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our study objective was to investigate the presumed attenuated humoral response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with RA treated with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors with or without methotrexate (MTX). The immune responses were compared with controls without RA. METHOD The humoral vaccination response was evaluated by determining titres of neutralising antibodies against the S1 antigen of SARS-CoV-2. One hundred and thirteen fully vaccinated individuals were included at 6 ± 1 weeks after second vaccination (BioNTech/Pfizer (69.9%), AstraZeneca (21.2%), and Moderna (8.9%)). In a cross-sectional and single-centre study design, we compared titres of neutralising antibodies between patients with (n = 51) and without (n = 62) medication with JAK inhibitors. RESULTS Treatment with JAK inhibitors led to a significantly reduced humoral response to vaccination (P = 0.004). A maximum immune response was seen in 77.4% of control patients, whereas this percentage was reduced to 54.9% in study participants on medication with JAK inhibitors (effect size d = 0.270). Further subanalyses revealed that patients on combination treatment (JAK inhibitors and MTX, 9 of 51 subjects) demonstrated an even significantly impaired immune response as compared to patients on monotherapy with JAK inhibitors (P = 0.028; d = 0.267). CONCLUSIONS JAK inhibitors significantly reduce the humoral response following dual vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The combination with MTX causes an additional, significant reduction in neutralising IgG titres. Our data suggest cessation of JAK inhibitors in patients with RA in the context of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Key Points • It was shown that DMARD therapy with JAK inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis leads to an attenuation of the humoral vaccination response against SARS-CoV-2. • The effect under medication with JAK inhibitors was significant compared to the control group and overall moderate. • The combination of JAK inhibitors with MTX led to an additive and significant attenuation of the humoral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Schäfer
- Diabetes Zentrum Mergentheim, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Klinikum der Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Magdolna Szilvia Kovacs
- Rheumatologie, MED|BAYERN OST Medizinische Versorgungszentren Altötting Burghausen, Krankenhausstraße 1, 84489 Burghausen, Germany
| | - Anna Eder
- Rheumatologie, MED|BAYERN OST Medizinische Versorgungszentren Altötting Burghausen, Krankenhausstraße 1, 84489 Burghausen, Germany
| | - Axel Nigg
- Rheumatologie, MED|BAYERN OST Medizinische Versorgungszentren Altötting Burghausen, Krankenhausstraße 1, 84489 Burghausen, Germany
| | - Martin Feuchtenberger
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Klinikum der Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Rheumatologie, MED|BAYERN OST Medizinische Versorgungszentren Altötting Burghausen, Krankenhausstraße 1, 84489 Burghausen, Germany
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11
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Stahl D, tho Pesch C, Brück C, Esser RL, Thiele J, Di Cristanziano V, Kofler DM. Reduced humoral response to a third dose (booster) of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines by concomitant methotrexate therapy in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002632. [PMID: 36216409 PMCID: PMC9556739 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several health authorities recommend a third (booster) vaccination to protect patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases from severe COVID-19. Methotrexate has been shown to reduce the efficacy of the first and second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. So far, it remains unknown how concomitant methotrexate affects the efficacy of a COVID-19 booster vaccination. Methods We compared the humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in 136 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with methotrexate and/or biological or targeted synthetic (b/tsDMARDs). IgG targeting the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was measured at a median of 52.5 (range 2–147) days after a third dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. Results Anti-RBD IgG was significantly reduced in elderly patients receiving concomitant treatment with methotrexate as compared with elderly patients receiving monotherapy with b/tsDMARDs or methotrexate (64.8 (20.8, 600.3) binding antibody units per mL (BAU/mL) vs 1106.0 (526.3, 4965.2) BAU/mL vs 1743.8 (734.5, 6779.6) BAU/mL, median (IQR), p<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). In younger patients (< 64.5 years), concomitant methotrexate had no significant impact on the humoral immune response. Conclusions Concomitant methotrexate increases the risk of an insufficient humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in elderly patients with RA. Pausing methotrexate during the third vaccination period may be considered for this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Stahl
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Koln, Germany,Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carola tho Pesch
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Koln, Germany
| | - Carolin Brück
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Koln, Germany
| | - Ruth L Esser
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Koln, Germany
| | - Jan Thiele
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Koln, Germany
| | | | - David M Kofler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Koln, Germany,Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
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12
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Skaria TG, Sreeprakash A, Umesh R, Joseph S, Mohan M, Ahmed S, Mehta P, Oommen SE, Benny J, Paulose A, Paul A, George J, Sukumaran A, Babu SS, Navas S, Vijayan A, Joseph S, Nalianda KK, Narayanan K, Shenoy P. Withholding methotrexate after vaccination with ChAdOx1 nCov19 in patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis in India (MIVAC I and II): results of two, parallel, assessor-masked, randomised controlled trials. THE LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY 2022; 4:e755-e764. [PMID: 36320825 PMCID: PMC9612848 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(22)00228-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background There is a necessity for an optimal COVID-19 vaccination strategy for vulnerable population groups, including people with autoimmune inflammatory arthritis on immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, which inhibit vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Thus, we aimed to assess the effects of withholding methotrexate for 2 weeks after each dose of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 (Oxford–AstraZeneca) vaccine (MIVAC I) or only after the second dose of vaccine (MIVAC II) compared with continuation of methotrexate, in terms of post-vaccination antibody titres and disease flare rates. Methods MIVAC I and II were two parallel, independent, assessor-masked, randomised trials. The trials were done at a single centre (Dr Shenoy's Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence; Kochi, India) in people with either rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis with stable disease activity, who had been on a fixed dose of methotrexate for the preceding 6 weeks. Those with previous COVID-19 or who were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies were excluded from the trials. People on high-dose corticosteroids and rituximab were also excluded, whereas other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were allowed. In MIVAC I, participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to stop methotrexate treatment for 2 weeks after each vaccine dose or to continue methotrexate treatment. In MIVAC II, participants who had continued methotrexate during the first dose of vaccine were randomly assigned (1:1) to withhold methotrexate for 2 weeks after the second dose of vaccine or to continue to take methotrexate. The treating physician was masked to the group assignments. The primary outcome for both MIVAC I and MIVAC II was the titre (absolute value) of anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody measured 4 weeks after the second dose of vaccine. All analyses were done per protocol. The trials were registered with the Clinical Trials Registry- India, number CTRI/2021/07/034639 (MIVAC I) and CTRI/2021/07/035307 (MIVAC II). Findings Between July 6 and Dec 15, 2021, participants were recruited to the trials. In MIVAC I, 250 participants were randomly assigned and 158 completed the study as per the protocol (80 in the methotrexate hold group and 78 in the control group; 148 [94%] were women and 10 [6%] were men). The median post-vaccination antibody titres in the methotrexate hold group were significantly higher compared with the control group (2484·0 IU/mL, IQR 1050·0–4388·8 vs 1147·5 IU/mL, 433·5–2360·3; p=0·0014). In MIVAC II, 178 participants were randomly assigned and 157 completed the study per protocol (76 in the methotrexate hold group and 81 in the control group; 135 [86%] were women and 22 [14%] were men). The methotrexate hold group had higher post-vaccination antibody titres compared with the control group (2553·5 IU/ml, IQR 1792·5–4823·8 vs 990·5, 356·1–2252·5; p<0·0001). There were no reports of any serious adverse events during the trial period. Interpretation Withholding methotrexate after both ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine doses and after only the second dose led to higher anti-RBD antibody titres compared with continuation of methotrexate. However, withholding methotrexate only after the second vaccine dose resulted in a similar humoral response to holding methotrexate after both vaccine doses, without an increased risk of arthritis flares. Hence, interruption of methotrexate during the second dose of ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine appears to be a safe and effective strategy to improve the antibody response in patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Funding Indian Rheumatology Association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sneha Joseph
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
- Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission, Kochi, India
| | - Manju Mohan
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
| | - Sakir Ahmed
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Department, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | | | - Jannet Benny
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
| | - Anagha Paulose
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
| | - Aby Paul
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
| | - Justin George
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
| | | | - Sageer S Babu
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
| | - Safna Navas
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
| | - Anuroopa Vijayan
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
- Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission, Kochi, India
| | - Sanjana Joseph
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
| | - Kaveri K Nalianda
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
- Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission, Kochi, India
| | - Krishnan Narayanan
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
- Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission, Kochi, India
| | - Padmanabha Shenoy
- Centre for Arthritis and Rheumatism Excellence, Kochi, India
- Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission, Kochi, India
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