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Del Riccio M, Caini S, Bonaccorsi G, Lorini C, Paget J, van der Velden K, Cosma C. Influenza vaccination and COVID-19 infection risk and disease severity: A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis of prospective studies. Am J Infect Control 2024:S0196-6553(24)00498-X. [PMID: 38768817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.05.009] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In light of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the influence of influenza vaccination on the risk and severity of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) has been a subject of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies aim to assess the association between influenza immunization and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent COVID-19 disease severity. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed to identify prospective studies published before March 2024. We focused on evaluating the effect of influenza vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and severe COVID-19 outcomes, such as hospitalization and mortality. The analysis employed a multilevel random effects meta-analysis approach. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS From an initial pool of 5,863 records, 14 studies were selected for inclusion. The aggregated data yielded a summary relative risk (SRR) that showed no significant protective correlation between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk (SRR 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81-1.11), COVID-19-associated hospitalization (SRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.68-1.19), or COVID-19-related mortality (SRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.56-1.23). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis, based exclusively on prospective studies, demonstrates the lack of a proven protective effect of influenza vaccination against COVID-19 and related outcomes. Our results do not support a significant protective effect of influenza vaccination against the risk or severe outcomes of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Del Riccio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Saverio Caini
- Research Program Infectious Diseases in Primary Care, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Chiara Lorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - John Paget
- Research Program Infectious Diseases in Primary Care, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Koos van der Velden
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Cosma
- Medical School of Specialization in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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2
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Liu Y, Lam DMK, Luan M, Zheng W, Ai H. Recent development of oral vaccines (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:223. [PMID: 38590568 PMCID: PMC11000446 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12511] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral immunization can elicit an effective immune response and immune tolerance to specific antigens. When compared with the traditional injection route, delivering antigens via the gastrointestinal mucosa offers superior immune effects and compliance, as well as simplicity and convenience, making it a more optimal route for immunization. At present, various oral vaccine delivery systems exist. Certain modified bacteria, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli and particularly Lactobacillus, are considered promising carriers for oral vaccines. These carriers can significantly enhance immunization efficiency by actively replicating in the intestinal tract following oral administration. The present review provided a discussion of the main mechanisms of oral immunity and the research progress made in the field of oral vaccines. Additionally, it introduced the advantages and disadvantages of the currently more commonly administered injectable COVID-19 vaccines, alongside the latest advancements in this area. Furthermore, recent developments in oral vaccines are summarized, and their potential benefits and side effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Follicular Development and Reproductive Health in Liaoning Province, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
| | | | - Mei Luan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
| | - Wenfu Zheng
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Lab for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for NanoScience and Technology, Beijing 100190, P.R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Hao Ai
- Key Laboratory of Follicular Development and Reproductive Health in Liaoning Province, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121000, P.R. China
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3
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Alghamdi A, Wani K, Alnaami AM, Al-Daghri NM. Dose Intervals and Time since Final Dose on Changes in Metabolic Indices after COVID-19 Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1746. [PMID: 38140151 PMCID: PMC10748310 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121746] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development and implementation of COVID-19 vaccines merit understanding its effects on metabolic indices. This retrospective longitudinal study investigated the influence of first-to-second-dose intervals and time since the final dose on the metabolic indices of individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. A total of 318 Saudi subjects (59.7% females) aged 12-60 years received COVID-19 vaccines via the national vaccination program. We collected the anthropometric data and fasting blood samples at specific time points before vaccination and after the final vaccination dose, and biochemical metabolic indices, including glucose and lipid profile, were measured. We also collected the dates of vaccination and COVID-19 history during the study period. The participants were stratified into groups based on first-to-second-dose intervals and time since the final dose to compare pre-and post-vaccination changes in metabolic indices between the groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed no differences in pre- to post-vaccination metabolic status between groups based on first-to-second-dose intervals in either adolescents or adults. However, shorter intervals (≤6 months) between the final dose and follow-up were associated with a decrease in total cardiometabolic components, especially triglyceride levels (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: (0.22-0.68), p < 0.001) than longer intervals (>6 months) in adults. In conclusion, time duration since final dose was associated with pre- to post-vaccination changes in metabolic indices, especially triglyceride levels, indicating that post-vaccination improvements wane over time. Further research is needed to validate the observed relationship, as it may contribute to optimizing vaccine effectiveness and safety in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Alghamdi
- Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kaiser Wani
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Alnaami
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser M. Al-Daghri
- Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Kapoula GV, Vennou KE, Bagos PG. Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination and the Risk of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:3086. [PMID: 36553093 PMCID: PMC9776999 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have investigated the potential on-specific effects of some routinely administered vaccines (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal) on COVID-19 related outcomes, with contrasting results. In order to elucidate this discrepancy, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between seasonal influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination with SARS-CoV-2 infection and its clinical outcomes. PubMed and medRxiv databases were searched up to April 2022. A random effects model was used in the meta-analysis to pool odds ratio (OR) and adjusted estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the Cochran's Q and the I2 index. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and assessment of publication bias were performed for all outcomes. In total, 38 observational studies were included in the meta-analysis and there was substantial heterogeneity. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination were associated with lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75-0.86 and OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.57-0.88, respectively). Regarding influenza vaccination, it seems that the majority of studies did not properly adjust for all potential confounders, so when the analysis was limited to studies that adjusted for age, gender, comorbidities and socioeconomic indices, the association diminished. This is not the case regarding pneumococcal vaccination, for which even after adjustment for such factors the association persisted. Regarding harder endpoints such as ICU admission and death, current data do not support the association. Possible explanations are discussed, including trained immunity, inadequate matching for socioeconomic indices and possible coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia V. Kapoula
- Department of Biochemistry, General Hospital of Lamia, 35131 Lamia, Greece
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, 35131 Lamia, Greece
| | - Konstantina E. Vennou
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, 35131 Lamia, Greece
| | - Pantelis G. Bagos
- Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, 35131 Lamia, Greece
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5
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Hosseini-Moghaddam SM, He S, Calzavara A, Campitelli MA, Kwong JC. Association of Influenza Vaccination With SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Associated Hospitalization and Mortality Among Patients Aged 66 Years or Older. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2233730. [PMID: 36169955 PMCID: PMC9520345 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.33730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Vaccine effectiveness studies have rarely implemented strategies to reduce the healthy vaccinee bias arising from differences in health care-seeking behavior between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Although previous observational studies suggest that influenza vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2-associated outcomes, the healthy vaccinee bias may have led to overestimating the vaccination effect. OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2-associated outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study was conducted over 2 consecutive influenza vaccination campaigns (2019-2020 and 2020-2021), owing to the substantial COVID-19 burden and the greater validity of influenza vaccination data in the studied age group. The study population included community-dwelling adults aged 66 years or older in Ontario, Canada. EXPOSURE Influenza vaccination for a given season. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The outcomes of interest included SARS-CoV-2 infection, SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalization, SARS-CoV-2-associated death, and a composite of SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalization or death. Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure the association between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2-associated outcomes, censoring individuals who moved into long-term care, received COVID-19 vaccines, or died before the observation period end date. Primary care periodic health examinations (PHEs) were explored as a negative tracer exposure (ie, no association expected with SARS-CoV-2 outcomes) and as an effect modifier of the association between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 outcomes. RESULTS Of 2 922 449 individuals aged 66 years or older (54.2% female) living in Ontario, 2 279 805 were included in the study. Among these, 1 234 647 (54.2%) were female and 1 045 158 (45.8%) were male; their mean (SD) age was 75.08 (7.21) years. Those who had received influenza vaccination exhibited a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection than unvaccinated individuals for the 2019-2020 cohort (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.73-0.84) and the 2020-2021 cohort (aHR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.74-0.78). This association was also observed for SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalization or death (2019-2020: aHR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74-0.92; 2020-2021: aHR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.63-0.70). Similarly, undergoing a PHE was also associated with a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection (aHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78-0.91) and SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalization or death (aHR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70-0.90), and modified the association between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection for vaccinated individuals who underwent PHE (aHR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52-0.74) and for vaccinated individuals who did not undergo PHE (aHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.76-0.87), and also SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalization or death in vaccinated individuals who underwent PHE (aHR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49-0.88) and vaccinated individuals who did not undergo PHE (aHR, 0.85, 95% CI, 0.76-0.95). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this cohort study suggest that undergoing a PHE may at least partially modify the association between influenza vaccination and SARS-CoV-2-associated outcomes in individuals aged 66 years or older, providing evidence of the healthy vaccinee bias that may affect vaccine effectiveness studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed M. Hosseini-Moghaddam
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Siyi He
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Jeffrey C. Kwong
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Gong W, Mao Y, Li Y, Qi Y. BCG Vaccination: A potential tool against COVID-19 and COVID-19-like Black Swan incidents. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108870. [PMID: 35597119 PMCID: PMC9113676 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19), and its variants have brought unprecedented
impacts to the global public health system, politics, economy, and other
fields. Although more than ten COVID-19 specific vaccines have been
approved for emergency use, COVID-19 prevention and control still face
many challenges. Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) is the only authorized
vaccine used to fight against tuberculosis (TB), it has been hypothesized
that BCG may prevent and control COVID-19 based on BCG-induced
nonspecific immune responses. Herein, we summarized: 1) The nonspecific
protection effects of BCG, such as prophylactic protection effects of BCG
on nonmycobacterial infections, immunotherapy effects of BCG vaccine, and
enhancement effect of BCG vaccine on unrelated vaccines; 2) Recent
evidence of BCG's efficacy against SARS-COV-2 infection from ecological
studies, analytical analyses, clinical trials, and animal studies; 3)
Three possible mechanisms of BCG vaccine and their effects on COVID-19
control including heterologous immunity, trained immunity, and
anti-inflammatory effect. We hope that this review will encourage more
scientists to investigate further BCG induced non-specific immune
responses and explore their mechanisms, which could be a potential tool
for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19-like “Black Swan”
events to reduce the impacts of infectious disease outbreaks on public
health, politics, and economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Gong
- Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory/Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The 8(th) Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yingqing Mao
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuexi Li
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yong Qi
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechniques, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China.
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7
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Domnich A, Orsi A, Sticchi L, Panatto D, Dini G, Ferrari A, Ogliastro M, Boccotti S, De Pace V, Ricucci V, Bruzzone B, Durando P, Icardi G. Effect of the 2020/21 season influenza vaccine on SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of Italian healthcare workers. Vaccine 2022; 40:1755-1760. [PMID: 35153098 PMCID: PMC8829680 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthcare workers (HCWs) are a priority group for seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV). The 2020/21 SIV campaign was conducted during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines, including SIV, may exert non-specific protective effects on other infectious diseases which may be ascribable to the concept of trained immunity. The aim of this study was to explore the association between 2020/21 SIV and SARS-CoV-2 positivity in a cohort of Italian HCWs. METHODS In this observational study, a cohort of HCWs employed by a large (ca 5000 employees) referral tertiary acute-care university hospital was followed up retrospectively until the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The independent variable of interest was the 2020/21 SIV uptake. Both egg-based and cell culture-derived quadrivalent SIVs were available. The study outcome was the incidence of new SARS-CoV-2 infections, as determined by RT-PCR. Multivariable Cox regression was applied in order to discern the association of interest. RESULTS The final cohort consisted of 2561 HCWs who underwent ≥1 RT-PCR test and accounted for a total of 94,445 person-days of observation. SIV uptake was 35.6%. During the study period, a total of 290 new SARS-CoV-2 infections occurred. The incidence of new SARS-CoV-2 was 1.62 (95% CI: 1.22-2.10) and 3.91 (95% CI: 3.43-4.45) per 1000 person-days in vaccinated and non-vaccinated HCWs, respectively, with an adjusted non-proportional hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.22-0.62). E-values suggested that unmeasured confounding was unlikely to explain the association. CONCLUSIONS A lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed among SIV recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Domnich
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Andrea Orsi
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Genoa, Italy.
| | - Laura Sticchi
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Donatella Panatto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Genoa, Italy.
| | - Guglielmo Dini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Occupational Medicine Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Allegra Ferrari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | | | - Simona Boccotti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Vanessa De Pace
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Valentina Ricucci
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Bianca Bruzzone
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Paolo Durando
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Genoa, Italy; Occupational Medicine Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Icardi
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Interuniversity Research Center on Influenza and Other Transmissible Infections (CIRI-IT), Genoa, Italy.
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8
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Rahbar MR, Jahangiri A, Khalili S, Zarei M, Mehrabani-Zeinabad K, Khalesi B, Pourzardosht N, Hessami A, Nezafat N, Sadraei S, Negahdaripour M. Hotspots for mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein: a correspondence analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23622. [PMID: 34880279 PMCID: PMC8654821 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spike glycoprotein (Sgp) is liable for binding of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to the host receptors. Since Sgp is the main target for vaccine and drug designing, elucidating its mutation pattern could help in this regard. This study is aimed at investigating the correspondence of specific residues to the SgpSARS-CoV-2 functionality by explorative interpretation of sequence alignments. Centrality analysis of the Sgp dissects the importance of these residues in the interaction network of the RBD-ACE2 (receptor-binding domain) complex and furin cleavage site. Correspondence of RBD to threonine500 and asparagine501 and furin cleavage site to glutamine675, glutamine677, threonine678, and alanine684 was observed; all residues are exactly located at the interaction interfaces. The harmonious location of residues dictates the RBD binding property and the flexibility, hydrophobicity, and accessibility of the furin cleavage site. These species-specific residues can be assumed as real targets of evolution, while other substitutions tend to support them. Moreover, all these residues are parts of experimentally identified epitopes. Therefore, their substitution may affect vaccine efficacy. Higher rate of RBD maintenance than furin cleavage site was predicted. The accumulation of substitutions reinforces the probability of the multi-host circulation of the virus and emphasizes the enduring evolutionary events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Rahbar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Jahangiri
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Zarei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamran Mehrabani-Zeinabad
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine, and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Anahita Hessami
- School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saman Sadraei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 71345-1583, Shiraz, Iran.
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9
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Deep survey for designing a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and its new mutations. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021; 76:3465-3476. [PMID: 34421121 PMCID: PMC8369332 DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00866-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted worldwide vaccine development. Several vaccines have been authorized by WHO, FDA, or MOH of different countries. However, issues such as need for cold chain, price, and most importantly access problems have limited vaccine usage in some nations especially developing countries. Moreover, the vast global demand justifies further attempts for vaccine development. Multi-epitope polypeptide vaccines enjoy several key features including safety and lower production and transfer costs and could be designed by in silico tools. Spike protein (S), membrane protein (M), and nucleocapsid protein (N), the three major structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2, are ideal candidates for epitope selection. ORF3a (open reading frame3a), a transmembrane protein with pro-apoptotic functions, could be another proper target. Thus, a novel multi-epitope vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 was designed using these four proteins and LL37, a TLR3 agonist adjuvant, through different immunoinformatics and bioinformatics tools. The proposed multi-epitope vaccine is expected to induce robust humoral and cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 with a population coverage of 76.92 % due to containing different immunodominant epitopes and LL37 adjuvant. Selecting epitopes derived from one functional and three structural proteins suggests the protective ability of the vaccine irrespective of probable virus mutations. The computationally observed proper interaction of LL37 with TLR3 implies its ability to induce immune responses effectively. Besides, it showed acceptable structural and physicochemical properties. The in-silico cloning results predicted its high efficiency production in Escherichia coli. Future experimental studies could further confirm its immunological efficacy.
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10
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Negahdaripour M, Shafiekhani M, Moezzi SMI, Amiri S, Rasekh S, Bagheri A, Mosaddeghi P, Vazin A. Administration of COVID-19 vaccines in immunocompromised patients. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108021. [PMID: 34352567 PMCID: PMC8316069 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since the beginning of vaccination programs against COVID-19 in different countries, several populations such as patients with specific immunological conditions have been considered as the priorities for immunization. In this regard, patients with autoimmune diseases or those receiving immunosuppressive agents and anti-cancer therapies, need special attention. However, no confirmed data is presently available regarding COVID-19 vaccines in these populations due to exclusion from the conducted clinical trials. Given the probable suppression or over-activation of the immune system in such patients, reaching a consensus for their vaccination is critical, besides gathering data and conducting trials, which could probably clarify this matter in the future. In this review, besides a brief on the available COVID-19 vaccines, considerations and available knowledge about administering similar vaccines in patients with cancer, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, solid organ transplantation, multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and rheumatologic and dermatologic autoimmune disorders are summarized to help in decision making. As discussed, live-attenuated viruses, which should be avoided in these groups, are not employed in the present COVID-19 vaccines. Thus, the main concern regarding efficacy could be met using a potent COVID-19 vaccine. Moreover, the vaccination timing for maximum efficacy could be decided according to the patient’s condition, indicated medications, and the guides provided here. Post-vaccination monitoring is also advised to ensure an adequate immune response. Further studies in this area are urgently warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Shafiekhani
- Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Iman Moezzi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sogand Amiri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shiva Rasekh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ashkan Bagheri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pouria Mosaddeghi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Vazin
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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11
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Nachega JB, Maeurer M, Sam-Agudu NA, Chakaya J, Katoto PDM, Zumla A. Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine and potential cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection - Assumptions, knowns, unknowns and need for developing an accurate scientific evidence base. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 113 Suppl 1:S78-S81. [PMID: 33794380 PMCID: PMC8006492 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
After a century of controversies on its usefulness in protection against TB, underlying mechanisms of action, and benefits in various groups and geographical areas, the BCG vaccine is yet again a focus of global attention- this time due to the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent studies have shown that human CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells primed with a BCG-derived peptide developed high reactivity to its corresponding SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide. Furthermore, BCG vaccine has been shown to substantially increase interferon-gamma (IFN-g) production and its effects on CD4+ T-cells and these non-specific immune responses through adjuvant effect could be harnessed as cross protection against severe forms of COVID-19.The completion of ongoing BGG trials is important as they may shed light on the mechanisms underlying BCG-mediated immunity and could lead to improved efficacy, increased tolerance of treatment, and identification of other ways of combining BCG with other immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Nachega
- Department of Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, and Center for Global Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal; Medizinische Klinik, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Nadia A Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria; Institute of Human Virology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Jeremiah Chakaya
- Department of Medicine, Therapeutics, Dermatology and Psychiatry, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Patrick D M Katoto
- Department of Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Department of Medicine, Therapeutics, Dermatology and Psychiatry, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya; Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
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12
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Bagheri A, Moezzi SMI, Mosaddeghi P, Nadimi Parashkouhi S, Fazel Hoseini SM, Badakhshan F, Negahdaripour M. Interferon-inducer antivirals: Potential candidates to combat COVID-19. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 91:107245. [PMID: 33348292 PMCID: PMC7705326 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infective disease generated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Given the pandemic urgency and lack of an effective cure for this disease, drug repurposing could open the way for finding a solution. Lots of investigations are ongoing to test the compounds already identified as antivirals. On the other hand, induction of type I interferons are found to play an important role in the generation of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, it was opined that the antivirals capable of triggering the interferons and their signaling pathway, could rationally be beneficial for treating COVID-19. On this basis, using a database of antivirals, called drugvirus, some antiviral agents were derived, followed by searches on their relevance to interferon induction. The examined list included drugs from different categories such as antibiotics, immunosuppressants, anti-cancers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), calcium channel blocker compounds, and some others. The results as briefed here, could help in finding potential drug candidates for COVID-19 treatment. However, their advantages and risks should be taken into account through precise studies, considering a systemic approach. Even though the adverse effects of some of these drugs may overweight their benefits, considering their mechanisms and structures may give a clue for designing novel drugs in the future. Furthermore, the antiviral effect and IFN-modifying mechanisms possessed by some of these drugs might lead to a synergistic effect against SARS-CoV-2, which deserve to be evaluated in further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Bagheri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Iman Moezzi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pouria Mosaddeghi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sadra Nadimi Parashkouhi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mostafa Fazel Hoseini
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Badakhshan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Medicine Student Research Group, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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