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Bakos T, Mészáros T, Kozma GT, Berényi P, Facskó R, Farkas H, Dézsi L, Heirman C, de Koker S, Schiffelers R, Glatter KA, Radovits T, Szénási G, Szebeni J. mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccine Lipids Induce Complement Activation and Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines: Mechanisms, Effects of Complement Inhibitors, and Relevance to Adverse Reactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3595. [PMID: 38612407 PMCID: PMC11012056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073595] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A small fraction of people vaccinated with mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP)-based COVID-19 vaccines display acute or subacute inflammatory symptoms whose mechanism has not been clarified to date. To better understand the molecular mechanism of these adverse events (AEs), here, we analyzed in vitro the vaccine-induced induction and interrelations of the following two major inflammatory processes: complement (C) activation and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Incubation of Pfizer-BioNTech's Comirnaty and Moderna's Spikevax with 75% human serum led to significant increases in C5a, sC5b-9, and Bb but not C4d, indicating C activation mainly via the alternative pathway. Control PEGylated liposomes (Doxebo) also induced C activation, but, on a weight basis, it was ~5 times less effective than that of Comirnaty. Viral or synthetic naked mRNAs had no C-activating effects. In peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures supplemented with 20% autologous serum, besides C activation, Comirnaty induced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in the following order: IL-1α < IFN-γ < IL-1β < TNF-α < IL-6 < IL-8. Heat-inactivation of C in serum prevented a rise in IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α, suggesting C-dependence of these cytokines' induction, although the C5 blocker Soliris and C1 inhibitor Berinert, which effectively inhibited C activation in both systems, did not suppress the release of any cytokines. These findings suggest that the inflammatory AEs of mRNA-LNP vaccines are due, at least in part, to stimulation of both arms of the innate immune system, whereupon C activation may be causally involved in the induction of some, but not all, inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the pharmacological attenuation of inflammatory AEs may not be achieved via monotherapy with the tested C inhibitors; efficacy may require combination therapy with different C inhibitors and/or other anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Bakos
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Tamás Mészáros
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Surgical Research and Techniques, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Tibor Kozma
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Berényi
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Réka Facskó
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Surgical Research and Techniques, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Henriette Farkas
- Hungarian Center of Reference and Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - László Dézsi
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Etherna Biopharmaceuticals, 2845 Niel, Belgium; (C.H.); (S.d.K.)
| | - Stefaan de Koker
- Etherna Biopharmaceuticals, 2845 Niel, Belgium; (C.H.); (S.d.K.)
| | - Raymond Schiffelers
- Division of Laboratories and Pharmacy, University Medical Center, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Tamás Radovits
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Surgical Research and Techniques, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szénási
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
| | - János Szebeni
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Nanobiotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Miskolc University, 3530 Miskolc, Hungary
- Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 06351, Republic of Korea
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2
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Holroyd KB, Conway SE. Central Nervous System Neuroimmunologic Complications of COVID-19. Semin Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37080234 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1767713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system following COVID-19 infection include multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease, autoimmune encephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and other less common neuroimmunologic disorders. In general, these disorders are rare and likely represent postinfectious phenomena rather than direct consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. The impact of COVID-19 infection on patients with preexisting neuroinflammatory disorders depends on both the disorder and disease-modifying therapy use. Patients with MS do not have an increased risk for severe COVID-19, though patients on anti-CD20 therapies may have worse clinical outcomes and attenuated humoral response to vaccination. Data are limited for other neuroinflammatory disorders, but known risk factors such as older age and medical comorbidities likely play a role. Prophylaxis and treatment for COVID-19 should be considered in patients with preexisting neuroinflammatory disorders at high risk for developing severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn B Holroyd
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah E Conway
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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3
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Kulasinghe A, Liu N, Tan CW, Monkman J, Sinclair JE, Bhuva DD, Godbolt D, Pan L, Nam A, Sadeghirad H, Sato K, Bassi GL, O'Byrne K, Hartmann C, Dos Santos Miggiolaro AFR, Marques GL, Moura LZ, Richard D, Adams M, de Noronha L, Baena CP, Suen JY, Arora R, Belz GT, Short KR, Davis MJ, Guimaraes FSF, Fraser JF. Transcriptomic profiling of cardiac tissues from SARS-CoV-2 patients identifies DNA damage. Immunology 2023; 168:403-419. [PMID: 36107637 PMCID: PMC9537957 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is known to present with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary organ complications. In comparison with the 2009 pandemic (pH1N1), SARS-CoV-2 infection is likely to lead to more severe disease, with multi-organ effects, including cardiovascular disease. SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with acute and long-term cardiovascular disease, but the molecular changes that govern this remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the host transcriptome landscape of cardiac tissues collected at rapid autopsy from seven SARS-CoV-2, two pH1N1, and six control patients using targeted spatial transcriptomics approaches. Although SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in cardiac tissue, host transcriptomics showed upregulation of genes associated with DNA damage and repair, heat shock, and M1-like macrophage infiltration in the cardiac tissues of COVID-19 patients. The DNA damage present in the SARS-CoV-2 patient samples, were further confirmed by γ-H2Ax immunohistochemistry. In comparison, pH1N1 showed upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes, in particular interferon and complement pathways, when compared with COVID-19 patients. These data demonstrate the emergence of distinct transcriptomic profiles in cardiac tissues of SARS-CoV-2 and pH1N1 influenza infection supporting the need for a greater understanding of the effects on extra-pulmonary organs, including the cardiovascular system of COVID-19 patients, to delineate the immunopathobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and long term impact on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arutha Kulasinghe
- Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ning Liu
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chin Wee Tan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James Monkman
- Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jane E Sinclair
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dharmesh D Bhuva
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Godbolt
- Pathology Queensland, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
| | - Liuliu Pan
- Nanostring Technologies, Inc, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andy Nam
- Nanostring Technologies, Inc, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Habib Sadeghirad
- Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kei Sato
- Critical Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland and The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gianluigi Li Bassi
- Critical Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland and The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Camila Hartmann
- Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil.,Marcelino Champagnat Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Lenci Marques
- Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil.,Marcelino Champagnat Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Lidia Zytynski Moura
- Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil.,Marcelino Champagnat Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Derek Richard
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Adams
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Cristina Pellegrino Baena
- Pontifical Catholic University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil.,Marcelino Champagnat Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Jacky Y Suen
- Critical Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland and The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rakesh Arora
- Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Gabrielle T Belz
- Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kirsty R Short
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - John F Fraser
- Pathology Queensland, The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, Queensland, Australia
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Matošević M, Kos I, Davidović M, Ban M, Matković H, Jakopčić I, Vuković Brinar I, Szilágyi Á, Csuka D, Sinkovits G, Prohászka Z, Vrljičak K, Lamot L. Hemolytic uremic syndrome in the setting of COVID-19 successfully treated with complement inhibition therapy: An instructive case report of a previously healthy toddler and review of literature. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1092860. [PMID: 36873657 PMCID: PMC9975343 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1092860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the global pandemic continues, new complications of COVID-19 in pediatric population have turned up, one of them being hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (CM-TMA) characterized by triad of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury (AKI). With both multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and HUS sharing complement dysregulation as one of the key factors, the aim of this case report is to highlight differences between these two conditions and also emphasize the importance of complement blockade as a treatment modality. CASE REPORT We describe a 21-month-old toddler who initially presented with fever and confirmed COVID-19. His condition quickly deteriorated and he developed oliguria, accompanied with diarrhea, vomiting and oral intake intolerance. HUS was suspected, supported with compelling laboratory findings, including decreased platelets count and C3 levels, elevated LDH, urea, serum creatinine and sC5b-9 and presence of schistocytes in peripheral blood, negative fecal Shiga toxin and normal ADAMTS13 metalloprotease activity. The patient was given C5 complement blocker Ravulizumab and started to display rapid improvement. CONCLUSION Although reports of HUS in the setting of COVID-19 continue to pour in, the questions of exact mechanism and similarities to MIS-C remain. Our case for the first time accentuates the use of complement blockade as a valuable treatment option in this scenario. We sincerely believe that reporting on HUS as a complication of COVID-19 in children will give rise to improved diagnosis and treatment, as well as better understanding of both of these intricating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matija Matošević
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivanka Kos
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maša Davidović
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Ban
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hana Matković
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Jakopčić
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Vuković Brinar
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Dialysis and Transplantation, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Szilágyi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Csuka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Sinkovits
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Prohászka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University- Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kristina Vrljičak
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lovro Lamot
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.,Division of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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5
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Remuzzi G, Schiaffino S, Santoro MG, FitzGerald GA, Melino G, Patrono C. Drugs for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and its complications: An update on what we learned in the past 2 years. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:987816. [PMID: 36304162 PMCID: PMC9595217 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.987816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 Committee of the Lincei Academy has reviewed the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of existing and new drugs/biologics for the preventing and treating of COVID-19 and its complications. This position paper reports what we have learned in the field in the past 2 years. The focus was on, but not limited to, drugs and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs, complement inhibitors and anticoagulant agents. We also discuss the risks/benefit of using cell therapies on COVID-19 patients. The report summarizes the available evidence, which supports recommendations from health authorities and panels of experts regarding some drugs and biologics, and highlights drugs that are not recommended, or drugs for which there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against their use. We also address the issue of the safety of drugs used to treat underlying concomitant conditions in COVID-19 patients. The investigators did an enormous amount of work very quickly to understand better the nature and pathophysiology of COVID-19. This expedited the development and repurposing of safe and effective therapeutic interventions, saving an impressive number of lives in the community as well as in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giuseppe Remuzzi,
| | | | - Maria Gabriella Santoro
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Garret A. FitzGerald
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gennaro Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Patrono
- Department of Pharmacology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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6
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Breakthrough haemolysis in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria after COVID-19 infection and COVID vaccination: what is worse? BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2022; 20:437-440. [PMID: 35848629 PMCID: PMC9480968 DOI: 10.2450/2022.0039-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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7
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Urwyler P, Moser S, Trendelenburg M, Sendi P, Osthoff M. Targeting thromboinflammation in COVID-19 - A narrative review of the potential of C1 inhibitor to prevent disease progression. Mol Immunol 2022; 150:99-113. [PMID: 36030710 PMCID: PMC9393183 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.08.008] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic carriers to critically ill patients with complications including thromboembolic events, myocardial injury, multisystemic inflammatory syndromes and death. Since the beginning of the pandemic several therapeutic options emerged, with a multitude of randomized trials, changing the medical landscape of COVID-19. The effect of various monoclonal antibodies, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulation drugs have been studied, and to some extent, implemented into clinical practice. In addition, a multitude of trials improved the understanding of the disease and emerging evidence points towards a significant role of the complement system, kallikrein-kinin, and contact activation system as drivers of disease in severe COVID-19. Despite their involvement in COVID-19, treatments targeting these plasmatic cascades have neither been systematically studied nor introduced into clinical practice, and randomized studies with regards to these treatments are scarce. Given the multiple-action, multiple-target nature of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH), the natural inhibitor of these cascades, this drug may be an interesting candidate to prevent disease progression and combat thromboinflammation in COVID-19. This narrative review will discuss the current evidence with regards to the involvement of these plasmatic cascades as well as endothelial cells in COVID-19. Furthermore, we summarize the evidence of C1-INH in COVID-19 and potential benefits and pitfalls of C1-INH treatment in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Urwyler
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Research and Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Moser
- Department of Clinical Research and Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marten Trendelenburg
- Department of Clinical Research and Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Parham Sendi
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Osthoff
- Department of Clinical Research and Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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8
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Skendros P, Germanidis G, Mastellos DC, Antoniadou C, Gavriilidis E, Kalopitas G, Samakidou A, Liontos A, Chrysanthopoulou A, Ntinopoulou M, Kogias D, Karanika I, Smyrlis A, Cepaityte D, Fotiadou I, Zioga N, Mitroulis I, Gatselis NK, Papagoras C, Metallidis S, Milionis H, Dalekos GN, Willems L, Persson B, Manivel VA, Nilsson B, Connolly ES, Iacobelli S, Papadopoulos V, Calado RT, Huber-Lang M, Risitano AM, Yancopoulou D, Ritis K, Lambris JD. Complement C3 inhibition in severe COVID-19 using compstatin AMY-101. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo2341. [PMID: 35977025 PMCID: PMC9385148 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo2341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Complement C3 activation contributes to COVID-19 pathology, and C3 targeting has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. We provide interim data from ITHACA, the first randomized trial evaluating a C3 inhibitor, AMY-101, in severe COVID-19 (PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mmHg). Patients received AMY-101 (n = 16) or placebo (n = 15) in addition to standard of care. AMY-101 was safe and well tolerated. Compared to placebo (8 of 15, 53.3%), a higher, albeit nonsignificant, proportion of AMY-101-treated patients (13 of 16, 81.3%) were free of supplemental oxygen at day 14. Three nonresponders and two placebo-treated patients succumbed to disease-related complications. AMY-101 significantly reduced CRP and ferritin and restrained thrombin and NET generation. Complete and sustained C3 inhibition was observed in all responders. Residual C3 activity in the three nonresponders suggested the presence of a convertase-independent C3 activation pathway overriding the drug's inhibitory activity. These findings support the design of larger trials exploring the potential of C3-based inhibition in COVID-19 or other complement-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skendros
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Christina Antoniadou
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Efstratios Gavriilidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna Samakidou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National and European Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Angelos Liontos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Akrivi Chrysanthopoulou
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Ntinopoulou
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dionysios Kogias
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioanna Karanika
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andreas Smyrlis
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dainora Cepaityte
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Iliana Fotiadou
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Zioga
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Mitroulis
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K. Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National and European Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Charalampos Papagoras
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Simeon Metallidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Haralampos Milionis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National and European Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Loek Willems
- R&D Department, Hycult Biotechnology, Uden, Netherlands
| | - Barbro Persson
- Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vivek Anand Manivel
- Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E. Sander Connolly
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simona Iacobelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vasileios Papadopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Rodrigo T. Calado
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology and Oncology, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Antonio M. Risitano
- AORN Moscati Avellino, Italy and Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Konstantinos Ritis
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - John D. Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Corresponding author.
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9
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Strohl WR, Ku Z, An Z, Carroll SF, Keyt BA, Strohl LM. Passive Immunotherapy Against SARS-CoV-2: From Plasma-Based Therapy to Single Potent Antibodies in the Race to Stay Ahead of the Variants. BioDrugs 2022; 36:231-323. [PMID: 35476216 PMCID: PMC9043892 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is now approaching 2 years old, with more than 440 million people infected and nearly six million dead worldwide, making it the most significant pandemic since the 1918 influenza pandemic. The severity and significance of SARS-CoV-2 was recognized immediately upon discovery, leading to innumerable companies and institutes designing and generating vaccines and therapeutic antibodies literally as soon as recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein sequence was available. Within months of the pandemic start, several antibodies had been generated, tested, and moved into clinical trials, including Eli Lilly's bamlanivimab and etesevimab, Regeneron's mixture of imdevimab and casirivimab, Vir's sotrovimab, Celltrion's regdanvimab, and Lilly's bebtelovimab. These antibodies all have now received at least Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) and some have received full approval in select countries. To date, more than three dozen antibodies or antibody combinations have been forwarded into clinical trials. These antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 all target the receptor-binding domain (RBD), with some blocking the ability of the RBD to bind human ACE2, while others bind core regions of the RBD to modulate spike stability or ability to fuse to host cell membranes. While these antibodies were being discovered and developed, new variants of SARS-CoV-2 have cropped up in real time, altering the antibody landscape on a moving basis. Over the past year, the search has widened to find antibodies capable of neutralizing the wide array of variants that have arisen, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. The recent rise and dominance of the Omicron family of variants, including the rather disparate BA.1 and BA.2 variants, demonstrate the need to continue to find new approaches to neutralize the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus. This review highlights both convalescent plasma- and polyclonal antibody-based approaches as well as the top approximately 50 antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, their epitopes, their ability to bind to SARS-CoV-2 variants, and how they are delivered. New approaches to antibody constructs, including single domain antibodies, bispecific antibodies, IgA- and IgM-based antibodies, and modified ACE2-Fc fusion proteins, are also described. Finally, antibodies being developed for palliative care of COVID-19 disease, including the ramifications of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhiqiang Ku
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX USA
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10
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Agostinis C, Mangogna A, Balduit A, Aghamajidi A, Ricci G, Kishore U, Bulla R. COVID-19, Pre-Eclampsia, and Complement System. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775168. [PMID: 34868042 PMCID: PMC8635918 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is characterized by virus-induced injury leading to multi-organ failure, together with inflammatory reaction, endothelial cell (EC) injury, and prothrombotic coagulopathy with thrombotic events. Complement system (C) via its cross-talk with the contact and coagulation systems contributes significantly to the severity and pathological consequences due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These immunopathological mechanisms overlap in COVID-19 and pre-eclampsia (PE). Thus, mothers contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are more vulnerable to developing PE. SARS-CoV-2 infection of ECs, via its receptor ACE2 and co-receptor TMPRSS2, can provoke endothelial dysfunction and disruption of vascular integrity, causing hyperinflammation and hypercoagulability. This is aggravated by bradykinin increase due to inhibition of ACE2 activity by the virus. C is important for the progression of normal pregnancy, and its dysregulation can impact in the form of PE-like syndrome as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, there is also an overlap between treatment regimens of COVID-19 and PE. C inhibitors, especially those targeting C3 or MASP-2, are exciting options for treating COVID-19 and consequent PE. In this review, we examine the role of C, contact and coagulation systems as well as endothelial hyperactivation with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and likely development of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Agostinis
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Balduit
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Azin Aghamajidi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roberta Bulla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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11
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Fattizzo B, Pasquale R, Bellani V, Barcellini W, Kulasekararaj AG. Complement Mediated Hemolytic Anemias in the COVID-19 Era: Case Series and Review of the Literature. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791429. [PMID: 34899761 PMCID: PMC8655106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex pathophysiologic interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and complement activation is the subject of active investigation. It is clinically mirrored by the occurrence of exacerbations of complement mediated diseases during COVID-19 infection. These include complement-mediated hemolytic anemias such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), particularly cold agglutinin disease (CAD), and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). All these conditions may benefit from complement inhibitors that are also under study for COVID-19 disease. Hemolytic exacerbations in these conditions may occur upon several triggers including infections and vaccines and may require transfusions, treatment with complement inhibitors and/or immunosuppressors (i.e., steroids and rituximab for AIHA), and result in thrombotic complications. In this manuscript we describe four patients (2 with PNH and 2 with CAD) who experienced hemolytic flares after either COVID-19 infection or SARS-Cov2 vaccine and provide a review of the most recent literature. We report that most episodes occurred within the first 10 days after COVID-19 infection/vaccination and suggest laboratory monitoring (Hb and LDH levels) in that period. Moreover, in our experience and in the literature, hemolytic exacerbations occurring during COVID-19 infection were more severe, required greater therapeutic intervention, and carried more complications including fatalities, as compared to those developing after SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, suggesting the importance of vaccinating this patient population. Patient education remains pivotal to promptly recognize signs/symptoms of hemolytic flares and to refer to medical attention. Treatment choice should be based on the severity of the hemolytic exacerbation as well as of that of COVID-19 infection. Therapies include transfusions, complement inhibitor initiation/additional dose in the case of PNH, steroids/rituximab in patients with CAD and warm type AIHA, plasma exchange, hemodialysis and complement inhibitor in the case of atypical HUS. Finally, anti-thrombotic prophylaxis should be always considered in these settings, provided safe platelet counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Pasquale
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bellani
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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12
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Chidharla A, Syed SB, Chatterjee T, Tarantino MD. A Case Report of COVID-Associated Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome Successfully Treated with Eculizumab. J Blood Med 2021; 12:929-933. [PMID: 34744467 PMCID: PMC8566005 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s324873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by multiple episodes of venous and arterial thromboses or recurrent fetal losses in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies against β2GP1, frequently accompanied by moderate thrombocytopenia. Catastrophic APS (CAPS) is a severe manifestation of APS. COVID-19 may have an intense hypercoagulable state in critically ill patients. SARS-CoV2 may potentiate pathogenic APS effects, including the activation of endothelial cells, monocytes, platelets, and complement, resulting in a proinflammatory state and prothrombotic events. The endothelial tropism of SARS-CoV2 may also modify the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in susceptible individuals and trigger flares of underlying vascular diseases. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman with a history of triple-positive APS who had multiple thrombotic and bleeding episodes after being found to have a COVID-19 infection temporally associated with CAPS development that was successfully treated with eculizumab, preventing further macro- and microvascular thrombotic events at 1 month follow-up. Our case highlights the need for more research regarding the mechanism by which COVID-19 may potentiate APS and lead to the development of CAPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Chidharla
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kansas University Cancer Center, Kansas, KS, USA
| | - Salman B Syed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Tulika Chatterjee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, USA
| | - Michael D Tarantino
- Department of Hematology, Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute, Peoria, IL, USA
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13
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Veronez CL, Christiansen SC, Smith TD, Riedl MA, Zuraw BL. COVID-19 and hereditary angioedema: Incidence, outcomes, and mechanistic implications. Allergy Asthma Proc 2021; 42:506-514. [PMID: 34871158 DOI: 10.2500/aap.2021.42.210083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) have been postulated to be at increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection due to inherent dysregulation of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system. Only limited data have been available to explore this hypothesis. Objective: To assess the interrelationship(s) between COVID-19 and HAE. Methods: Self-reported COVID-19 infection, complications, morbidity, and mortality were surveyed by using an online questionnaire. The participants included subjects with HAE with C1 inhibitor (C1INH) deficiency (HAE-C1INH) and subjects with HAE with normal C1-inhibitor (HAE-nl-C1INH), and household controls (normal controls). The impact of HAE medications was examined. Results: A total of 1162 participants who completed the survey were analyzed, including: 695 subjects with HAE-C1INH, 175 subjects with HAE-nl-C1INH, and 292 normal controls. The incidence of reported COVID-19 was not significantly different between the normal controls (9%) and the subjects with HAE-C1INH (11%) but was greater in the subjects with HAE-nl-C1INH (19%; p = 0.006). Obesity was positively correlated with COVID-19 across the overall population (p = 0.012), with a similar but nonsignificant trend in the subjects with HAE-C1INH. Comorbid autoimmune disease was a risk factor for COVID-19 in the subjects with HAE-C1INH (p = 0.047). COVID-19 severity and complications were similar in all the groups. Reported COVID-19 was reduced in the subjects with HAE-C1INH who received prophylactic subcutaneous C1INH (5.6%; p = 0.0371) or on-demand icatibant (7.8%; p = 0.0016). The subjects with HAE-C1INH and not on any HAE medications had an increased risk of COVID-19 compared with the normal controls (24.5%; p = 0.006). Conclusion: The subjects with HAE-C1INH who were not taking HAE medications had a significantly higher rate of reported COVID-19 infection. Subcutaneous C1INH and icatibant use were associated with a significantly reduced rate of reported COVID-19. The results implicated potential roles for the complement cascade and tissue kallikrein-kinin pathways in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in patients with HAE-C1INH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Lopes Veronez
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; and
| | - Sandra C. Christiansen
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; and
| | - Tukisa D. Smith
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; and
| | - Marc A. Riedl
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; and
| | - Bruce L. Zuraw
- From the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; and
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14
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Defendi F, Leroy C, Epaulard O, Clavarino G, Vilotitch A, Le Marechal M, Jacob MC, Raskovalova T, Pernollet M, Le Gouellec A, Bosson JL, Poignard P, Roustit M, Thielens N, Dumestre-Pérard C, Cesbron JY. Complement Alternative and Mannose-Binding Lectin Pathway Activation Is Associated With COVID-19 Mortality. Front Immunol 2021; 12:742446. [PMID: 34567008 PMCID: PMC8461024 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.742446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers excessive immune response resulting in increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, endothelial injury, and intravascular coagulopathy. The complement system (CS) activation participates to this hyperinflammatory response. However, it is still unclear which activation pathways (classical, alternative, or lectin pathway) pilots the effector mechanisms that contribute to critical illness. To better understand the immune correlates of disease severity, we performed an analysis of CS activation pathways and components in samples collected from COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Grenoble Alpes University Hospital between 1 and 30 April 2020 and of their relationship with the clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center study cohort in 74 hospitalized patients with RT-PCR-proven COVID-19. The functional activities of classical, alternative, and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) pathways and the antigenic levels of the individual components C1q, C4, C3, C5, Factor B, and MBL were measured in patients' samples during hospital admission. Hierarchical clustering with the Ward method was performed in order to identify clusters of patients with similar characteristics of complement markers. Age was included in the model. Then, the clusters were compared with the patient clinical features: rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, corticoid treatment, oxygen requirement, and mortality. Results Four clusters were identified according to complement parameters. Among them, two clusters revealed remarkable profiles: in one cluster (n = 15), patients exhibited activation of alternative and lectin pathways and low antigenic levels of MBL, C4, C3, Factor B, and C5 compared to all the other clusters; this cluster had the higher proportion of patients who died (27%) and required oxygen support (80%) or ICU care (53%). In contrast, the second cluster (n = 19) presented inflammatory profile with high classical pathway activity and antigenic levels of complement components; a low proportion of patients required ICU care (26%) and no patient died in this group. Conclusion These findings argue in favor of prominent activation of the alternative and MBL complement pathways in severe COVID-19, but the spectrum of complement involvement seems to be heterogeneous requiring larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Defendi
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Corentin Leroy
- Cellule d’Ingénierie des Données, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique de l’Innovation et de la Technologie (CIC-IT), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Olivier Epaulard
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | - Giovanna Clavarino
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Antoine Vilotitch
- Cellule d’Ingénierie des Données, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Marion Le Marechal
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie-Christine Jacob
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Tatiana Raskovalova
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Martine Pernollet
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Audrey Le Gouellec
- Université Grenoble Alpes, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Pascal Poignard
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Matthieu Roustit
- Département de Pharmacologie Clinique INSERM CIC 1406, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, UMR 1042-HP2, INSERM, Grenoble, France
| | - Nicole Thielens
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France
| | - Chantal Dumestre-Pérard
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Yves Cesbron
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Institut de Biologie et Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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