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Ameratunga R, Jordan A, Lehnert K, Leung E, Mears ER, Snell R, Steele R, Woon ST. SARS-CoV-2 evolution has increased resistance to monoclonal antibodies and first-generation COVID-19 vaccines: Is there a future therapeutic role for soluble ACE2 receptors for COVID-19? Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105894. [PMID: 38677595 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105894] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused calamitous health, economic and societal consequences. Although several COVID-19 vaccines have received full authorization for use, global deployment has faced political, financial and logistical challenges. The efficacy of first-generation COVID-19 vaccines is waning and breakthrough infections are allowing ongoing transmission and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, COVID-19 vaccine efficacy relies on a functional immune system. Despite receiving three primary doses and three or more heterologous boosters, some immunocompromised patients may not be adequately protected by COVID-19 vaccines and remain vulnerable to severe disease. The evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has also resulted in the rapid obsolescence of monoclonal antibodies. Convalescent plasma from COVID-19 survivors has produced inconsistent results. New drugs such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) are beyond the reach of low- and middle-income countries. With widespread use of Paxlovid, it is likely nirmatrelvir-resistant clades of SARS-CoV-2 will emerge in the future. There is thus an urgent need for new effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatments. The in vitro efficacy of soluble ACE2 against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants including omicron (B.1.1.529), was recently described using a competitive ELISA assay as a surrogate marker for virus neutralization. This indicates soluble wild-type ACE2 receptors are likely to be resistant to viral evolution. Nasal and inhaled treatment with soluble ACE2 receptors has abrogated severe disease in animal models of COVID-19. There is an urgent need for clinical trials of this new class of antiviral therapeutics, which could complement vaccines and Paxlovid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Ameratunga
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Anthony Jordan
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Klaus Lehnert
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Euphemia Leung
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emily R Mears
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell Snell
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Steele
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - See-Tarn Woon
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Kapten K, Orczyk K, Smolewska E. Application of Interferon-γ Release Assay in the Assessment of T-Cell Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in the Cohort of Pediatric Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:736. [PMID: 38929315 PMCID: PMC11201484 DOI: 10.3390/children11060736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: an accurate assessment of the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 can facilitate a better understanding and management of not only the recent coronavirus but similar pathogens as well. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate T-cell immunity with reference to antibody titers in a group of pediatric patients with autoimmune arthritides utilizing the widely known Interferon-γ Release Assay (IGRA). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the cohort of 55 children suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). This research analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response measured by a specific quantitative IGRA, followed by a serological ELISA test measuring the presence and quantity of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies in serum. Results: The cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 measured by the IGRA test significantly correlated with the antibody titers, IgA (p < 0.00003, R = 0.537), IgG (p < 0.0001, R = 0.668), and IgG nucleocapsid protein (NCP) (p < 0.003, R = 0.0399), with no correlation with IgM levels. The antibody levels in patients receiving biological agents were significantly lower compared to the rest of the cohort (p = 0.0369), while traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs had no such effect. Limitations: the main limitation of the research is the small sample size, mostly due to the specific cohort of patients and the lack of a healthy control. Conclusions: IGRA appears to be a viable tool in the accurate evaluation of T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2, and serodiagnostics alone is not always sufficient in the assessment of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kapten
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, 91-738 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Orczyk
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, 91-347 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Elzbieta Smolewska
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Rheumatology, Medical University of Lodz, 91-738 Lodz, Poland;
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Ameratunga R, Mears E, Leung E, Snell R, Woon ST, Kelton W, Medlicott N, Jordan A, Abbott W, Steele R, Rolleston W, Longhurst H, Lehnert K. Soluble wild-type ACE2 molecules inhibit newer SARS-CoV-2 variants and are a potential antiviral strategy to mitigate disease severity in COVID-19. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:289-295. [PMID: 37565297 PMCID: PMC10719217 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad096] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), has caused havoc around the world. While several COVID-19 vaccines and drugs have been authorized for use, these antiviral drugs remain beyond the reach of most low- and middle-income countries. Rapid viral evolution is reducing the efficacy of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies and contributing to the deaths of some fully vaccinated persons. Others with normal immunity may have chosen not to be vaccinated and remain at risk if they contract the infection. Vaccines may not protect some immunodeficient patients from SARS-CoV-2, who are also at increased risk of chronic COVID-19 infection, a dangerous stalemate between the virus and a suboptimal immune response. Intra-host viral evolution could rapidly lead to the selection and dominance of vaccine and monoclonal antibody-resistant clades of SARS-CoV-2. There is thus an urgent need to develop new treatments for COVID-19. The NZACE2-Pātari project, comprising modified soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) molecules, seeks to intercept and block SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respiratory mucosa. In vitro data presented here show that soluble wild-type ACE2 molecules retain the ability to effectively block the Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 variants including the ancestral Wuhan, delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) strains. This therapeutic strategy may prove effective if implemented early during the nasal phase of the infection and may act synergistically with other antiviral drugs such as Paxlovid to further mitigate disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Ameratunga
- Department of Clinical immunology, Auckland Hospital, AucklandNew Zealand
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emily Mears
- Applied Translational Genetic Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Euphemia Leung
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell Snell
- Applied Translational Genetic Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - See-Tarn Woon
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William Kelton
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Anthony Jordan
- Department of Clinical immunology, Auckland Hospital, AucklandNew Zealand
| | - William Abbott
- Department of Surgery, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Steele
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Hilary Longhurst
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Klaus Lehnert
- Applied Translational Genetic Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Gundlapalli AV, Beekmann SE, Jones JM, Thornburg NJ, Clarke KEN, Uyeki TM, Satheshkumar PS, Carroll DS, Plumb ID, Briggs-Hagen M, Santibañez S, David-Ferdon C, Polgreen PM, McDonald LC. Use of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Tests by US Infectious Disease Physicians: Results of an Emerging Infections Network Survey, March 2022. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad091. [PMID: 36949879 PMCID: PMC10026543 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad091] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody tests have had limited recommended clinical application during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To inform clinical practice, an understanding is needed of current perspectives of United States-based infectious disease (ID) physicians on the use, interpretation, and need for SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests. Methods In March 2022, members of the Emerging Infections Network (EIN), a national network of practicing ID physicians, were surveyed on types of SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays ordered, interpretation of test results, and clinical scenarios for which antibody tests were considered. Results Of 1867 active EIN members, 747 (40%) responded. Among the 583 who managed or consulted on COVID-19 patients, a majority (434/583 [75%]) had ordered SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests and were comfortable interpreting positive (452/578 [78%]) and negative (405/562 [72%]) results. Antibody tests were used for diagnosing post-COVID-19 conditions (61%), identifying prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (60%), and differentiating prior infection and response to COVID-19 vaccination (37%). Less than a third of respondents had used antibody tests to assess need for additional vaccines or risk stratification. Lack of sufficient evidence for use and nonstandardized assays were among the most common barriers for ordering tests. Respondents indicated that statements from professional societies and government agencies would influence their decision to order SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests for clinical decision making. Conclusions Practicing ID physicians are using SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests, and there is an unmet need for clarifying the appropriate use of these tests in clinical practice. Professional societies and US government agencies can support clinicians in the community through the creation of appropriate guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi V Gundlapalli
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan E Beekmann
- Infectious Diseases Society of America–Emerging Infections Network and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jefferson M Jones
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie J Thornburg
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristie E N Clarke
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Timothy M Uyeki
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Darin S Carroll
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ian D Plumb
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Melissa Briggs-Hagen
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Scott Santibañez
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Corinne David-Ferdon
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Philip M Polgreen
- Infectious Diseases Society of America–Emerging Infections Network and Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - L Clifford McDonald
- COVID-19 Emergency Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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