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Rubio-Casillas A, Cowley D, Raszek M, Uversky VN, Redwan EM. Review: N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1Ψ): Friend or foe of cancer? Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131427. [PMID: 38583833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131427] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Due to the health emergency created by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, the rapid implementation of a new vaccine technology was necessary. mRNA vaccines, being one of the cutting-edge new technologies, attracted significant interest and offered a lot of hope. The potential of these vaccines in preventing admission to hospitals and serious illness in people with comorbidities has recently been called into question due to the vaccines' rapidly waning immunity. Mounting evidence indicates that these vaccines, like many others, do not generate sterilizing immunity, leaving people vulnerable to recurrent infections. Additionally, it has been discovered that the mRNA vaccines inhibit essential immunological pathways, thus impairing early interferon signaling. Within the framework of COVID-19 vaccination, this inhibition ensures an appropriate spike protein synthesis and a reduced immune activation. Evidence is provided that adding 100 % of N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1Ψ) to the mRNA vaccine in a melanoma model stimulated cancer growth and metastasis, while non-modified mRNA vaccines induced opposite results, thus suggesting that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could aid cancer development. Based on this compelling evidence, we suggest that future clinical trials for cancers or infectious diseases should not use mRNA vaccines with a 100 % m1Ψ modification, but rather ones with the lower percentage of m1Ψ modification to avoid immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico; Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - David Cowley
- University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Mikolaj Raszek
- Merogenomics (Genomic Sequencing Consulting), Edmonton, AB T5J 3R8, Canada
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Laboratory of New Methods in Biology, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications, New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt.
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2
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Junger N, Hirsch O. Ethics of Nudging in the COVID-19 Crisis and the Necessary Return to the Principles of Shared Decision Making: A Critical Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e57960. [PMID: 38601812 PMCID: PMC11005480 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nudging, a controversial technique for modifying people's behavior in a predictable way, is claimed to preserve freedom of choice while simultaneously influencing it. Nudging had been largely confined to situations such as promoting healthy eating choices but has been employed in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis in a shift towards measures that involve significantly less choice, such as shoves and behavioral prods. Shared decision making (SDM), a method for direct involvement and autonomy, is an alternative approach to communicate risk. Predominantly peer-reviewed scientific publications from standard literature databases like PubMed, PsycInfo, and Psyndex were evaluated in a narrative review. The so-called fear nudges, as well as the dissemination of strongly emotionalizing or moralizing messages can lead to intense psycho-physical stress. The use of these nudges by specialized units during the COVID-19 pandemic generated a societal atmosphere of fear that precipitated a deterioration of the mental and physical health of the population. Major recommendations of the German COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO) study, which are based on elements of nudging and coercive measures, do not comply with ethical principles, basic psychological principles, or evidence-based data. SDM was misused in the COVID-19 crisis, which helped to achieve one-sided goals of governments. The emphasis on utilitarian thinking is criticized and the unethical behavior of decision makers is explained by both using the concept of moral disengagement and the maturity level of coping strategies. There should be a return to an open-ended, democratic, and pluralistic scientific debate without using nudges. It is therefore necessary to return to the origins of SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Junger
- Psychology, Independent Researcher, Tübingen, DEU
| | - Oliver Hirsch
- Psychology, FOM University of Applied Sciences, Siegen, DEU
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Gibo M, Kojima S, Fujisawa A, Kikuchi T, Fukushima M. Increased Age-Adjusted Cancer Mortality After the Third mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccine Dose During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan. Cureus 2024; 16:e57860. [PMID: 38721172 PMCID: PMC11077472 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, excess deaths including cancer have become a concern in Japan, which has a rapidly aging population. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate how age-adjusted mortality rates (AMRs) for different types of cancer in Japan changed during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Official statistics from Japan were used to compare observed annual and monthly AMRs with predicted rates based on pre-pandemic (2010-2019) figures using logistic regression analysis. No significant excess mortality was observed during the first year of the pandemic (2020). However, some excess cancer mortalities were observed in 2021 after mass vaccination with the first and second vaccine doses, and significant excess mortalities were observed for all cancers and some specific types of cancer (including ovarian cancer, leukemia, prostate cancer, lip/oral/pharyngeal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer) after mass vaccination with the third dose in 2022. AMRs for the four cancers with the most deaths (lung, colorectal, stomach, and liver) showed a decreasing trend until the first year of the pandemic in 2020, but the rate of decrease slowed in 2021 and 2022. This study discusses possible explanations for these increases in age-adjusted cancer mortality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Gibo
- Primary Health Care, Matsubara Clinic, Kochi, JPN
| | - Seiji Kojima
- Pediatrics, Nagoya Pediatric Cancer Fund, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Akinori Fujisawa
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Honbetsu Cardiovascular Medicine Clinic, Honbetsu, JPN
| | - Takayuki Kikuchi
- Translational Research & Health Data Science, Learning Health Society Institute, Nagoya, JPN
| | - Masanori Fukushima
- Translational Research & Health Data Science, Learning Health Society Institute, Nagoya, JPN
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Lopez PA, Nziza N, Chen T, Shook LL, Burns MD, Demidkin S, Jasset O, Akinwunmi B, Yonker LM, Gray KJ, Elovitz MA, Lauffenburger DA, Julg BD, Edlow AG. Placental transfer dynamics and durability of maternal COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibodies in infants. iScience 2024; 27:109273. [PMID: 38444609 PMCID: PMC10914478 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Completion of a COVID-19 vaccination series during pregnancy effectively reduces COVID-19 hospitalization among infants less than 6 months of age. The dynamics of transplacental transfer of maternal vaccine-induced antibodies, and their persistence in infants at 2, 6, 9, and 12 months, have implications for new vaccine development and optimal timing of vaccine administration in pregnancy. We evaluated anti-COVID antibody IgG subclass, Fc-receptor binding profile, and activity against wild-type Spike and RBD plus five variants of concern (VOCs) in 153 serum samples from 100 infants. Maternal IgG1 and IgG3 responses persisted in 2- and 6-month infants to a greater extent than the other IgG subclasses, with high persistence of antibodies binding placental neonatal Fc-receptor and FcγR3A. Lowest persistence was observed against the Omicron RBD-specific region. Maternal vaccine timing, placental Fc-receptor binding capabilities, antibody subclass, fetal sex, and VOC all impact the persistence of antibodies in infants through 12 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola A. Lopez
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Nadège Nziza
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tina Chen
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lydia L. Shook
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Madeleine D. Burns
- Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatric, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Stepan Demidkin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Olyvia Jasset
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Babatunde Akinwunmi
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lael M. Yonker
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Department of Pediatric, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kathryn J. Gray
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michal A. Elovitz
- Women’s Biomedical Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Douglas A. Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Boris D. Julg
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrea G. Edlow
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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5
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Inoue W, Kimura Y, Okamoto S, Nogimori T, Sakaguchi-Mikami A, Yamamoto T, Tsunetsugu-Yokota Y. SARS-CoV-2-Specific Immune Responses in Vaccination and Infection during the Pandemic in 2020-2022. Viruses 2024; 16:446. [PMID: 38543812 PMCID: PMC10974545 DOI: 10.3390/v16030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
To gain insight into how immunity develops against SARS-CoV-2 from 2020 to 2022, we analyzed the immune response of a small group of university staff and students who were either infected or vaccinated. We investigated the levels of receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific and nucleocapsid (N)-specific IgG and IgA antibodies in serum and saliva samples taken early (around 10 days after infection or vaccination) and later (around 1 month later), as well as N-specific T-cell responses. One patient who had been infected in 2020 developed serum RBD and N-specific IgG antibodies, but declined eight months later, then mRNA vaccination in 2021 produced a higher level of anti-RBD IgG than natural infection. In the vaccination of naïve individuals, vaccines induced anti-RBD IgG, but it declined after six months. A third vaccination boosted the IgG level again, albeit to a lower level than after the second. In 2022, when the Omicron variant became dominant, familial transmission occurred among vaccinated people. In infected individuals, the levels of serum anti-RBD IgG antibodies increased later, while anti-N IgG peaked earlier. The N-specific activated T cells expressing IFN γ or CD107a were detected only early. Although SARS-CoV-2-specific salivary IgA was undetectable, two individuals showed a temporary peak in RBD- and N-specific IgA antibodies in their saliva on the second day after infection. Our study, despite having a small sample size, revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers the expected immune responses against acute viral infections. Moreover, our findings suggest that the temporary mucosal immune responses induced early during infection may provide better protection than the currently available intramuscular vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakana Inoue
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Health Sciences and Graduate School of Medical Technology, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo 144-8535, Japan; (W.I.); (Y.K.); (S.O.); (A.S.-M.)
| | - Yuta Kimura
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Health Sciences and Graduate School of Medical Technology, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo 144-8535, Japan; (W.I.); (Y.K.); (S.O.); (A.S.-M.)
| | - Shion Okamoto
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Health Sciences and Graduate School of Medical Technology, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo 144-8535, Japan; (W.I.); (Y.K.); (S.O.); (A.S.-M.)
| | - Takuto Nogimori
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka 567-0085, Japan; (T.N.); (T.Y.)
| | - Akane Sakaguchi-Mikami
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Health Sciences and Graduate School of Medical Technology, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo 144-8535, Japan; (W.I.); (Y.K.); (S.O.); (A.S.-M.)
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka 567-0085, Japan; (T.N.); (T.Y.)
- Laboratory of Aging and Immune Regulation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tsunetsugu-Yokota
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Health Sciences and Graduate School of Medical Technology, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo 144-8535, Japan; (W.I.); (Y.K.); (S.O.); (A.S.-M.)
- Laboratory of Precision Immunology, Center for Intractable Diseases and ImmunoGenomics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka 567-0085, Japan; (T.N.); (T.Y.)
- Research Institute, The World New Prosperity (WNP), Tokyo 169-0075, Japan
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Srivastava A, Ahmad R, Wani IA, Siddiqui S, Yadav K, Trivedi A, Upadhyay S, Husain I, Ahamad T, Dudhagi SS. Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera effectively target Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 and reveal a decreased susceptibility to viral infection and perpetuation: a polypharmacology approach. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:14. [PMID: 38419919 PMCID: PMC10897645 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-023-00184-y] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Prevention from disease is presently the cornerstone of the fight against COVID-19. With the rapid emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, there is an urgent need for novel or repurposed agents to strengthen and fortify the immune system. Existing vaccines induce several systemic and local side-effects that can lead to severe consequences. Moreover, elevated cytokines in COVID-19 patients with cancer as co-morbidity represent a significant bottleneck in disease prognosis and therapy. Withania somnifera (WS) and its phytoconstituent(s) have immense untapped immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential and the anticancer potential of WS is well documented. To this effect, WS methanolic extract (WSME) was characterized using HPLC. Withanolides were identified as the major phytoconstituents. In vitro cytotoxicity of WSME was determined against human breast MDA-MB-231 and normal Vero cells using MTT assay. WSME displayed potent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50: 66 µg/mL) and no effect on Vero cells in the above range. MD simulations of Withanolide A with SARS-CoV-2 main protease and spike receptor-binding domain as well as Withanolide B with SARS-CoV spike glycoprotein and SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease were performed using Schrödinger. Stability of complexes followed the order 6M0J-Withanolide A > 6W9C-Withnaolide B > 5WRG-Withanolide B > 6LU7-Withanolide A. Maximum stable interaction(s) were observed between Withanolides A and B with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV spike glycoproteins, respectively. Withanolides A and B also displayed potent binding to pro-inflammatory markers viz. serum ferritin and IL-6. Thus, WS phytoconstituents have the potential to be tested further in vitro and in vivo as novel antiviral agents against COVID-19 patients having cancer as a co-morbidity. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-023-00184-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Rumana Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Irshad A. Wani
- Department of Cardiology, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Sahabjada Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Kusum Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, UP 226007 India
| | - Anchal Trivedi
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Shivbrat Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Ishrat Husain
- Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Tanveer Ahamad
- Department of Biotechnology, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow, UP 226003 India
| | - Shivanand S. Dudhagi
- Plant Physiology Laboratory, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, UP 226001 India
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Igyártó BZ, Qin Z. The mRNA-LNP vaccines - the good, the bad and the ugly? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336906. [PMID: 38390323 PMCID: PMC10883065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336906] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mRNA-LNP vaccine has received much attention during the COVID-19 pandemic since it served as the basis of the most widely used SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Western countries. Based on early clinical trial data, these vaccines were deemed safe and effective for all demographics. However, the latest data raise serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines. Here, we review some of the safety and efficacy concerns identified to date. We also discuss the potential mechanism of observed adverse events related to the use of these vaccines and whether they can be mitigated by alterations of this vaccine mechanism approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Z. Igyártó
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Adhikari B, Bednash JS, Horowitz JC, Rubinstein MP, Vlasova AN. Brief research report: impact of vaccination on antibody responses and mortality from severe COVID-19. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1325243. [PMID: 38390335 PMCID: PMC10883056 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1325243] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction While it is established that vaccination reduces risk of hospitalization, there is conflicting data on whether it improves outcome among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This study evaluated clinical outcomes and antibody (Ab) responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection/vaccines in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and various comorbidities. Methods In this single-center study, 152 adult patients were admitted to Ohio State University hospital with ARF (05/2020 - 11/2022) including 112 COVID-19-positive and 40 COVID-19-negative patients. Of the COVID-19 positive patients, 23 were vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 (Vax), and 89 were not (NVax). Of the NVax COVID-19 patients, 46 were admitted before and 43 after SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were approved. SARS-CoV-2 Ab levels were measured/analyzed based on various demographic and clinical parameters of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, total IgG4 Ab concentrations were compared between the Vax and NVax patients. Results While mortality rates were 36% (n=25) and 27% (n=15) for non-COVID-19 NVax and Vax patients, respectively, in COVID-19 patients mortality rates were 37% (NVax, n=89) and 70% (Vax, n=23). Among COVID-19 patients, mortality rate was significantly higher among Vax vs. NVax patients (p=0.002). The Charlson's Comorbidity Index score (CCI) was also significantly higher among Vax vs. NVax COVID-19 patients. However, the mortality risk remained significantly higher (p=0.02) when we compared COVID-19 Vax vs. NVax patients with similar CCI score, suggesting that additional factors may increase risk of mortality. Higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 Abs were noted among survivors, suggestive of their protective role. We observed a trend for increased total IgG4 Ab, which promotes immune tolerance, in the Vax vs. NVax patients in week 3. Conclusion Although our cohort size is small, our results suggest that vaccination status of hospital-admitted COVID-19 patients may not be instructive in determining mortality risk. This may reflect that within the general population, those individuals at highest risk for COVID-19 mortality/immune failure are likely to be vaccinated. Importantly, the value of vaccination may be in preventing hospitalization as opposed to stratifying outcome among hospitalized patients, although our data do not address this possibility. Additional research to identify factors predictive of aberrant immunogenic responses to vaccination is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Adhikari
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center (OARDC), College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States
| | - Joseph S. Bednash
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey C. Horowitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mark P. Rubinstein
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- The Pelotonia Institute of Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Anastasia N. Vlasova
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center (OARDC), College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States
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9
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Jain S, Kumar S, Lai L, Linderman S, Malik AA, Ellis ML, Godbole S, Solis D, Sahoo MK, Bechnak K, Paredes I, Tanios R, Kazzi B, Dib SM, Litvack MB, Wimalasena ST, Ciric C, Rostad C, West R, Teng IT, Wang D, Edupuganti S, Kwong PD, Rouphael N, Pinsky BA, Douek DC, Wrammert J, Moreno A, Suthar MS. XBB.1.5 monovalent booster improves antibody binding and neutralization against emerging SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.03.578771. [PMID: 38370837 PMCID: PMC10871242 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.03.578771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The rapid emergence of divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants has led to an update of the COVID-19 booster vaccine to a monovalent version containing the XBB.1.5 spike. To determine the neutralization breadth following booster immunization, we collected blood samples from 24 individuals pre- and post-XBB.1.5 mRNA booster vaccination (∼1 month). The XBB.1.5 booster improved both neutralizing activity against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain (WA1) and the circulating Omicron variants, including EG.5.1, HK.3, HV.1, XBB.1.5 and JN.1. Relative to the pre-boost titers, the XBB.1.5 monovalent booster induced greater total IgG and IgG subclass binding, particular IgG4, to the XBB.1.5 spike as compared to the WA1 spike. We evaluated antigen-specific memory B cells (MBCs) using either spike or receptor binding domain (RBD) probes and found that the monovalent booster largely increases non-RBD cross-reactive MBCs. These data suggest that the XBB.1.5 monovalent booster induces cross-reactive antibodies that neutralize XBB.1.5 and related Omicron variants.
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10
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Khorshed AA, Savchenko O, Liu J, Shoute L, Zeng J, Ren S, Gu J, Jha N, Yang Z, Wang J, Jin L, Chen J. Development of an impedance-based biosensor for determination of IgG galactosylation levels. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 245:115793. [PMID: 37984315 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The glycan profile of immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecule and its changes are associated with a number of different diseases. Galactosylation of IgG was recently suggested as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and many cancers. In this paper, we propose a portable impedance-based biosensor that utilizes lectin array technology to detect glycans in IgG. Biotinylated Griffonia simplicifolia (GSL II) and Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA I) lectins were used in our biosensor design for determination of the ratio of N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) to galactose (Gal) respectively, which is termed agalactosylation factor (AF). Streptavidin gold nanoparticles (GNP) were conjugated to biotinylated lectin bonded to the carbohydrate in the glycoprotein to magnify the change in impedance signal and enhance detection sensitivity. The method was successfully applied to differentiation of the galactosylation levels in human and rat IgG. In addition, we present proof of concept use of our biosensor for differentiation of COVID-19 positive patient samples from negative patients. Consequently, the sensor can be useful in future applications to distinguish between glycan profiles of IgG from healthy and patient samples in disease studies. Our biosensor permits analysis of human serum without conventional time-consuming IgG purification steps or pretreatment using enzyme digestion to cut the sugars from the glycoprotein molecule. The results suggest that the proposed point of care (POC) biosensor can be used for evaluating disease progression and treatment efficacy via monitoring changes in the galactosylation profiles of IgG in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Khorshed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag, 82524, Egypt
| | - Oleksandra Savchenko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lian Shoute
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Shifang Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research Ministry of Public Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxing Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research Ministry of Public Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Naresh Jha
- Cross-cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada.
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11
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Boretti A. mRNA vaccine boosters and impaired immune system response in immune compromised individuals: a narrative review. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:23. [PMID: 38280109 PMCID: PMC10821957 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01264-1] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Over the last 24 months, there has been growing evidence of a correlation between mRNA COVID-19 vaccine boosters and increased prevalence of COVID-19 infection and other pathologies. Recent works have added possible causation to correlation. mRNA vaccine boosters may impair immune system response in immune compromised individuals. Multiple doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may result in much higher levels of IgG 4 antibodies, or also impaired activation of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. The opportunity for mRNA vaccine boosters to impair the immune system response needs careful consideration, as this impacts the cost-to-benefit ratio of the boosters' practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Boretti
- Melbourne Institute of Technology, The Argus, 288 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
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12
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Rubio-Casillas A, Rodriguez-Quintero CM, Redwan EM, Gupta MN, Uversky VN, Raszek M. Do vaccines increase or decrease susceptibility to diseases other than those they protect against? Vaccine 2024; 42:426-440. [PMID: 38158298 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.12.060] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Contrary to the long-held belief that the effects of vaccines are specific for the disease they were created; compelling evidence has demonstrated that vaccines can exert positive or deleterious non-specific effects (NSEs). In this review, we compiled research reports from the last 40 years, which were found based on the PubMed search for the epidemiological and immunological studies on the non-specific effects (NSEs) of the most common human vaccines. Analysis of information showed that live vaccines induce positive NSEs, whereas non-live vaccines induce several negative NSEs, including increased female mortality associated with enhanced susceptibility to other infectious diseases, especially in developing countries. These negative NSEs are determined by the vaccination sequence, the antigen concentration in vaccines, the type of vaccine used (live vs. non-live), and also by repeated vaccination. We do not recommend stopping using non-live vaccines, as they have demonstrated to protect against their target disease, so the suggestion is that their detrimental NSEs can be minimized simply by changing the current vaccination sequence. High IgG4 antibody levels generated in response to repeated inoculation with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines could be associated with a higher mortality rate from unrelated diseases and infections by suppressing the immune system. Since most COVID-19 vaccinated countries are reporting high percentages of excess mortality not directly attributable to deaths from such disease, the NSEs of mRNA vaccines on overall mortality should be studied in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico; Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | | | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications, New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt.
| | - Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Mikolaj Raszek
- Merogenomics (Genomic Sequencing Consulting), Edmonton, AB T5J 3R8, Canada.
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13
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Kalkeri R, Zhu M, Cloney-Clark S, Plested JS, Parekh A, Gorinson D, Cai R, Mahato S, Ramanathan P, Aurelia LC, Selva KJ, Marchese AM, Fries L, Chung AW, Dunkle LM. Altered IgG4 Antibody Response to Repeated mRNA versus Protein COVID Vaccines. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.17.24301374. [PMID: 38293205 PMCID: PMC10827267 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.17.24301374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Repeated mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has been associated with increases in the proportion of IgG4 in spike-specific antibody responses and concurrent reductions in Fcγ-mediated effector functions that may limit control of viral infection. Here, we assessed anti-Spike total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4, and surrogate markers for antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP, FcγRIIa binding), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC, FcγRIIIa binding), and antibody-dependent complement deposition (ADCD, C1q binding) associated with repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with NVX-CoV2373 (Novavax Inc., Gaithersburg, MD). The NVX-CoV2373 protein vaccine did not induce notable increases in spike-specific IgG4 or negatively impact surrogates for Fcγ effector responses. Conversely, repeated NVX-CoV2373 vaccination uniquely enhanced IgG3 responses which are known to exhibit strong affinity for FcγRIIIa and have previously been linked to potent neutralization of SARS-CoV-2. Subsequent investigations will help to understand the immunological diversity generated by different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine types and have the potential to reshape public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pradhipa Ramanathan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - L. Carissa Aurelia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Kevin John Selva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | | | | | - Amy W. Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, 3000, Australia
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14
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Hulscher N, Hodkinson R, Makis W, McCullough PA. Autopsy findings in cases of fatal COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis. ESC Heart Fail 2024. [PMID: 38221509 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines have been linked to myocarditis, which, in some circumstances, can be fatal. This systematic review aims to investigate potential causal links between COVID-19 vaccines and death from myocarditis using post-mortem analysis. We performed a systematic review of all published autopsy reports involving COVID-19 vaccination-induced myocarditis through 3 July 2023. All autopsy studies that include COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis as a possible cause of death were included. Causality in each case was assessed by three independent physicians with cardiac pathology experience and expertise. We initially identified 1691 studies and, after screening for our inclusion criteria, included 14 papers that contained 28 autopsy cases. The cardiovascular system was the only organ system affected in 26 cases. In two cases, myocarditis was characterized as a consequence from multisystem inflammatory syndrome. The mean age of death was 44.4 years old. The mean and median number of days from last COVID-19 vaccination until death were 6.2 and 3 days, respectively. We established that all 28 deaths were most likely causally linked to COVID-19 vaccination by independent review of the clinical information presented in each paper. The temporal relationship, internal and external consistency seen among cases in this review with known COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis, its pathobiological mechanisms, and related excess death, complemented with autopsy confirmation, independent adjudication, and application of the Bradford Hill criteria to the overall epidemiology of vaccine myocarditis, suggests that there is a high likelihood of a causal link between COVID-19 vaccines and death from myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Hulscher
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - William Makis
- The Wellness Company, Boca Raton, FL, USA
- Cross Cancer Institute, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Peter A McCullough
- The Wellness Company, Boca Raton, FL, USA
- Truth for Health Foundation, Tucson, AZ, USA
- McCullough Foundation, Dallas, TX, USA
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15
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Mead MN, Seneff S, Wolfinger R, Rose J, Denhaerynck K, Kirsch S, McCullough PA. COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: Lessons Learned from the Registrational Trials and Global Vaccination Campaign. Cureus 2024; 16:e52876. [PMID: 38274635 PMCID: PMC10810638 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of COVID-19 vaccinations and their impact on health and mortality has evolved substantially since the first vaccine rollouts. Published reports from the original randomized phase 3 trials concluded that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could greatly reduce COVID-19 symptoms. In the interim, problems with the methods, execution, and reporting of these pivotal trials have emerged. Re-analysis of the Pfizer trial data identified statistically significant increases in serious adverse events (SAEs) in the vaccine group. Numerous SAEs were identified following the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), including death, cancer, cardiac events, and various autoimmune, hematological, reproductive, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, these products never underwent adequate safety and toxicological testing in accordance with previously established scientific standards. Among the other major topics addressed in this narrative review are the published analyses of serious harms to humans, quality control issues and process-related impurities, mechanisms underlying adverse events (AEs), the immunologic basis for vaccine inefficacy, and concerning mortality trends based on the registrational trial data. The risk-benefit imbalance substantiated by the evidence to date contraindicates further booster injections and suggests that, at a minimum, the mRNA injections should be removed from the childhood immunization program until proper safety and toxicological studies are conducted. Federal agency approval of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on a blanket-coverage population-wide basis had no support from an honest assessment of all relevant registrational data and commensurate consideration of risks versus benefits. Given the extensive, well-documented SAEs and unacceptably high harm-to-reward ratio, we urge governments to endorse a global moratorium on the modified mRNA products until all relevant questions pertaining to causality, residual DNA, and aberrant protein production are answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nathaniel Mead
- Biology and Nutritional Epidemiology, Independent Research, Copper Hill, USA
| | - Stephanie Seneff
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Russ Wolfinger
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Independent Research, Research Triangle Park, USA
| | - Jessica Rose
- Immunology and Public Health Research, Independent Research, Ottawa, CAN
| | - Kris Denhaerynck
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Independent Research, Basel, CHE
| | - Steve Kirsch
- Data Science, Independent Research, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Peter A McCullough
- Cardiology, Epidemiology, and Public Health, McCullough Foundation, Dallas, USA
- Cardiology, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Truth for Health Foundation, Tucson, USA
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16
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Pastore G, Polvere J, Fiorino F, Lucchesi S, Montesi G, Rancan I, Zirpoli S, Lippi A, Durante M, Fabbiani M, Tumbarello M, Montagnani F, Medaglini D, Ciabattini A. Homologous or heterologous administration of mRNA or adenovirus-vectored vaccines show comparable immunogenicity and effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:432-444. [PMID: 38517153 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2333952] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heterologous prime-boost schedules have been employed in SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, yet additional data on immunogenicity and effectiveness are still needed. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Here, we measured the immunogenicity and effectiveness in the real-world setting of the mRNA booster dose in 181 subjects who had completed primary vaccination with ChAdOx1, BNT162b2, or mRNA1273 vaccines (IMMUNO_COV study; protocol code 18,869). The spike-specific antibody and B cell responses were analyzed up to 6 months after boosting. RESULTS After an initial slower antibody response, the heterologous ChAdOx1/mRNA prime-boost formulation elicited spike-specific IgG titers comparable to homologous approaches, while spike-specific B cells showed a higher percentage of CD21-CD27- atypical cells compared to homologous mRNA vaccination. Mixed combinations of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 elicited an immune response comparable with homologous strategies. Non-significant differences in the Relative Risk of infection, calculated over a period of 18 months after boosting, were reported among homologous or heterologous vaccination groups, indicating a comparable relative vaccine effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Our data endorse the heterologous booster vaccination with mRNA as a valuable alternative to homologous schedules. This approach can serve as a solution in instances of formulation shortages and contribute to enhancing vaccine strategies for potential epidemics or pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabiria Pastore
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jacopo Polvere
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Fiorino
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University "Giuseppe Degennaro"; Casamassima, Bari, Italy
| | - Simone Lucchesi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giorgio Montesi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rancan
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Zirpoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Arianna Lippi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Miriam Durante
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Mario Tumbarello
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Montagnani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Donata Medaglini
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Ciabattini
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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17
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Hunter P. The four fronts of immunotherapy: The development of new immunotherapeutic approaches against a wide range of diseases. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e58262. [PMID: 37846497 PMCID: PMC10626423 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202358262] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on harnessing the immune system to fight against diseases from cancer to allergies has been making progress but unintended side effects still pose challenges.
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18
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Cagigi A, Douradinha B. Have mRNA vaccines sentenced DNA vaccines to death? Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:1154-1167. [PMID: 37941101 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2282065] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After receiving emergency approval during the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines have taken center stage in the quest to enhance future vaccination strategies for both infectious diseases and cancer. Indeed, they have significantly overshadowed another facet of genetic vaccination, specifically DNA vaccines. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that both types of genetic vaccines have distinct advantages and disadvantages that set them apart from each other. AREAS COVERED In this work, we delve extensively into the history of genetic vaccines, their mechanisms of action, their strengths, and limitations, and ultimately highlight ongoing research in key areas for potential enhancement of both DNA and mRNA vaccines. EXPERT OPINION Here, we assess the significance of the primary benefits and drawbacks associated with DNA and mRNA vaccination. We challenge the current lines of thought by highlighting that the existing drawbacks of DNA vaccination could potentially be more straightforward to address compared to those linked with mRNA vaccination. In our view, this suggests that DNA vaccines should remain viable contenders in the pursuit of the future of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cagigi
- Nykode Therapeutics ASA, Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway
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