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Ammitzbøll C, Thomsen MK, Bartels LE, Hansen CB, Hermansen MLF, Hänel M, Klose-Jensen R, Larsen ML, Lauritsen MO, Mistegaard CE, Mikkelsen S, Olesen JBM, Næser EU, Nielsen MA, Erikstrup C, Garred P, Hauge EM, Troldborg A. COVID-19 Vaccination Before Initiating Rituximab Treatment Induces Strong Serological Response in Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease, Reducing Post-Pandemic Concerns About the Impact of Rituximab. ACR Open Rheumatol 2024. [PMID: 38923834 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rituximab (RTX)-treated patients exhibit suboptimal responses to COVID-19 vaccines. However, existing research primarily involves patients already receiving RTX when vaccines were introduced, failing to account for the current landscape where patients are vaccinated before initiating RTX. Our objective was to compare the serological response to COVID-19 vaccines in patients vaccinated before or after RTX initiation. METHODS We included 254 RTX-treated patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs) and 113 blood donors (BDs) in a retrospective, observational cohort study. Patients were categorized based on the timing of RTX treatment relative to primary COVID-19 vaccination. Serological vaccine responses were assessed using three immunoassays, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of serological response. RESULTS Patients vaccinated before initiating RTX treatment had significantly higher seroconversion rates of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (87%) and neutralizing antibodies (91%) compared with those receiving RTX before and after vaccination (n = 132) (61% and 65%, respectively). In the logistic regression analysis, a positive serological response was associated with the number of vaccines administered >9 months after the last RTX treatment. Patients receiving the highest number of vaccines with >9 months after RTX showed a response comparable to that of the BDs. CONCLUSION Vaccinating before RTX initiation yields a robust serological response in patients with AIIRDs. Furthermore, we highlight the reversibility of antibody impairment after RTX treatment cessation, provided that adequate vaccinations occur within a minimum of 9 months after RTX. Our findings offer essential insights for clinical decision-making regarding COVID-19 vaccination and RTX treatment, alleviating concerns about future RTX use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cecilie Bo Hansen
- Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Mathias Hänel
- Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Mads Lamm Larsen
- Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Garred
- Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anne Troldborg
- Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Gualtieri R, Yerly S, Garcia-Tarodo S, Parvex P, Rock N, Posfay-Barbe K, Didierlaurent AM, Eberhardt C, Blanchard-Rohner G. Rituximab-to-vaccine interval on SARS-CoV-2 immunogenicity in children: The potential role of prior natural infection. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2024; 35:e14161. [PMID: 38796784 DOI: 10.1111/pai.14161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with anti-CD20 antibodies (rituximab) is used in both adults and children to treat various autoimmune and oncological diseases. Rituximab depletes B CD20+ cells and, thereby, antibody response to vaccines. This study aimed to examine the antibody response to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines in children aged 5-18 years undergoing rituximab treatment compared to healthy matched children. METHODS Between 31 January and 18 July 2022, we conducted a prospective observational study at the Geneva University Hospitals, enrolling children aged 5-18 years under rituximab treatment who had received two mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses. Controls were healthy volunteers with no significant medical conditions. Exclusion criteria included a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Blood samples were collected at day 60 (±30) and day 270 (±90) after the second vaccination. RESULTS The rituximab-treated group exhibited significantly lower levels of antibodies specific to the anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein than healthy controls at 60 (±30) days after the second vaccine dose (geometric mean concentration: 868.3 IU/mL in patients and 11,393 IU/mL in controls; p = .008). However, patients with a rituximab-to-vaccine interval shorter than 6 months and with evidence of a past infection (based on positive anti-N antibody levels) had a high level of anti-RBD antibodies. CONCLUSION A past infection with SARS-CoV-2 may induce anti-RBD-specific memory B cells that can be re-activated by SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, even after rituximab-induced B-cell depletion. This suggests that it is possible to vaccinate earlier than 6 months after rituximab to develop a good antibody response, especially in the case of past SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Gualtieri
- Pediatric Platform for Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Yerly
- Laboratory of Virology, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Garcia-Tarodo
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paloma Parvex
- Unit of Pediatric Nephrology, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Rock
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Obstetrics, Swiss Pediatric Liver Center, University of Geneva, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Klara Posfay-Barbe
- Pediatric Platform for Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud M Didierlaurent
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Center for Vaccinology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Eberhardt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Center for Vaccinology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Vaccinology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Geraldine Blanchard-Rohner
- Unit of Immunology, Vaccinology and Rheumatology, Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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Frodlund M, Nived P, Chatzidionysiou K, Södergren A, Klingberg E, Hansson M, Ohlsson S, Pin E, Bengtsson A, Klareskog L, Kapetanovic M. The serological immunogenicity of the third and fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases on different biologic or targeted DMARDs: a Swedish nationwide study (COVID-19-REUMA). Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0298123. [PMID: 38441463 PMCID: PMC10986619 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02981-23] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies investigating the immunogenicity of additional COVID-19 vaccine doses in immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) are still limited. The objective was to explore the antibody response including response to omicron virus subvariants (sBA.1 and sBS.2) after third and fourth COVID-19 vaccine doses in Swedish IRD patients treated with immunomodulating drugs compared to controls. Antibody levels to spike wild-type antigens (full-length protein and S1) and the omicron variants sBA.1 and sBA.2 (full-length proteins) were measured. A positive response was defined as having antibody levels over cut-off or ≥fourfold increase in post-vaccination levels for both antigens. Patients with arthritis, vasculitis, and other autoimmune diseases (n = 414), and controls (n = 61) receiving biologic/targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) with or without conventional synthetic DMARDs participated. Of these, blood samples were available for 370 patients and 52 controls after three doses, and 65 patients and 15 controls after four doses. Treatment groups after three vaccine doses were rituximab (n = 133), abatacept (n = 22), IL6r inhibitors (n = 71), JAnus Kinase inhibitors (JAK-inhibitors) (n = 56), tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNF-inhibitors) (n = 61), IL12/23/17 inhibitors (n = 27), and controls (n = 52). The percentage of responders after three and four vaccine doses was lower in rituximab-treated patients (59% and 57%) compared to controls (100%) (P < 0.001). After three doses, the percentage of responders in all other groups was 100%, including response to omicron sBA.1 and sBA.2. In rituximab-treated patients, higher baseline immunoglobulin G (IgG) and longer time-period between rituximab and vaccination predicted better response. In this Swedish nationwide study including IRD patients three and four COVID-19 vaccine doses were immunogenic in patients treated with IL6r inhibitors, TNF-inhibitors, JAK-inhibitors, and IL12/23/17-inhibitors but not in rituximab. As >50% of rituximab patients responded to vaccines including omicron subvariants, these patients should be prioritized for additional vaccine doses. IMPORTANCE Results from this study provide further evidence that additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines are immunogenic and result in satisfactory antibody response in a majority of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) receiving potent immunomodulating treatments such as biological or targeted disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) given as monotherapy or combined with traditional DMARDs. We observed that rituximab treatment, both as monotherapy and combined with csDMARDs, impaired antibody response, and only roughly 50% of patients developed a satisfactory antibody response including response to omicron subvariants after the third vaccine. In addition, higher IgG levels at the last rituximab course before the third vaccine dose and a longer time after the last rituximab treatment increased the chance of a satisfactory antibody response. These results indicate that rituximab-treated patients should be prioritized for additional vaccine doses. CLINICAL TRIALS EudraCT (European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database) with number 2021-000880-63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Frodlund
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection/Rheumatology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Nived
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Lund, , Sweden
| | - Katerina Chatzidionysiou
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Solna, Sweden
| | - Anna Södergren
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine/Rheumatology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Klingberg
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Monica Hansson
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Solna, Sweden
| | - Sophie Ohlsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Nephrology, Lund University, Lund and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Lund, , Sweden
| | - Elisa Pin
- Department of Protein Science, SciLifeLab, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Bengtsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Lund, , Sweden
| | - Lars Klareskog
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Solna, Sweden
| | - Meliha Kapetanovic
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Lund, , Sweden
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Thomas Κ, Grigoropoulos I, Alexopoulou P, Karofylakis E, Galani I, Papadopoulou KK, Tsiavou A, Ntourou A, Mavrou E, Qevani I, Katsimbri P, Koutsianas C, Mavrea E, Vassilopoulos D, Pournaras S, Tsiodras S, Boumpas D, Antoniadou A. Sustained cell-mediated but not humoral responses in rituximab-treated rheumatic patients after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:534-541. [PMID: 37228039 PMCID: PMC10836975 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead236] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES B-cell depleting monoclonal antibodies are associated with increased COVID-19 severity and impaired immune response to vaccination. We aimed to assess the humoral and cell mediated (CMI) immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in rituximab (RTX)-treated rheumatic patients. METHODS Serum and whole blood samples were collected from RTX-treated rheumatic patients 3-6 months after last vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Serum was tested by ELISA for quantitative detection of anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Cell-mediated variant-specific SARS-CoV-2 immunity (CMI) was assessed by interferon-γ release assay Covi-FERON FIA. Patients were interviewed for breakthrough COVID-19 infection (BTI) 3 months post sampling. RESULTS Sixty patients were studied after a median (IQR) of 179 (117-221.5) days from last vaccine to sampling. Forty (66.7%) patients had positive Covi-FERON and 23 (38.3%) had detectable anti-spike IgG. Covi-FERON positive patients had lower median RTX cumulative dose [6 (4-10.75) vs 11 (6.75-14.75) grams, (P = 0.019)]. Patients with positive anti-spike IgG had received fewer RTX cycles [2 (2-4) vs 6 (4-8), P = 0.002] and cumulative dose [4 (3-7) vs 10 (6.25-13) grams, P = 0.002] and had shorter time from last vaccination to sampling [140 (76-199) vs 192 (128-230) days, P = 0.047]. Thirty-seven percent were positive only for Covi-FERON and 7% only for anti-spike IgG. Twenty (33.3%) BTI occurred post sampling, exclusively during Omicron variant predominance. The proportion of patients with CMI response against Delta variant was lower in patients who experienced BTI (25% vs 55%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Four out of ten RTX-treated vaccinated patients show lasting cell-mediated immune response despite undetectable anti-spike antibodies. Cumulative RTX dose affects both humoral and cell-mediated responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Cell-mediated immune responses call for attention as a vaccine efficacy marker against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Κonstantinos Thomas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Ioannis Grigoropoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Panagiota Alexopoulou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Karofylakis
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Irene Galani
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Korina Papadopoulou
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Anastasia Tsiavou
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Aliki Ntourou
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Mavrou
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Irina Qevani
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Christos Koutsianas
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Evgenia Mavrea
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vassilopoulos
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Anastasia Antoniadou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, Chaidari, Greece
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Pappa M, Panagiotopoulos A, Thomas K, Fanouriakis A. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and COVID-19. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2023; 25:192-203. [PMID: 37477841 PMCID: PMC10504107 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01110-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the current state of knowledge regarding COVID-19 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We focus on (i) SARS-CoV-2 vaccination uptake, immunogenicity and safety, and (ii) outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with SLE and pertinent risk factors for adverse sequelae. RECENT FINDINGS Notwithstanding the potential concern of patients about possible post-vaccination side-effects, the safety of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with SLE has been undisputedly confirmed in numerous studies. Humoral immunogenicity is generally attained in SLE, although affected by the use of background immunosuppressive drugs, especially rituximab. The latter has also clearly been implicated with adverse COVID-19 outcomes in SLE, including need for hospitalization, mechanical ventilation and death. Although the wide adoption of vaccination has significantly improved COVID-19 outcomes, patients with SLE continue to pose challenges during the pandemic, mainly owing to administered immunosuppressive medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pappa
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Panagiotopoulos
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Thomas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, "Attikon" University Hospital, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, Medical School National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Speer C, Töllner M, Benning L, Bartenschlager M, Kim H, Nusshag C, Kälble F, Reineke M, Reichel P, Schnitzler P, Zeier M, Morath C, Schmitt W, Bergner R, Bartenschlager R, Lorenz HM, Schaier M. BA.1/BA.5 Immunogenicity, Reactogenicity, and Disease Activity after COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study. Viruses 2023; 15:1778. [PMID: 37632120 PMCID: PMC10458303 DOI: 10.3390/v15081778] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging omicron subtypes with immune escape lead to inadequate vaccine response with breakthrough infections in immunocompromised individuals such as Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients. As AAV is considered an orphan disease, there are still limited data on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and prospective studies that have focused exclusively on AAV patients are lacking. In addition, there are safety concerns regarding the use of highly immunogenic mRNA vaccines in autoimmune diseases, and further studies investigating reactogenicity are urgently needed. In this prospective observational cohort study, we performed a detailed characterization of neutralizing antibody responses against omicron subtypes and provided a longitudinal assessment of vaccine reactogenicity and AAV disease activity. Different vaccine doses were generally well tolerated and no AAV relapses occurred during follow-up. AAV patients had significantly lower anti-S1 IgG and surrogate-neutralizing antibodies after first, second, and third vaccine doses as compared to healthy controls, respectively. Live-virus neutralization assays against omicron subtypes BA.1 and BA.5 revealed that previous SARS-CoV-2 vaccines result in an inadequate neutralizing immune response in immunocompromised AAV patients. These data demonstrate that new vaccination strategies including adapted mRNA vaccines against epitopes of emerging variants are needed to help protect highly vulnerable individuals such as AAV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Speer
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit Heidelberg, EMBL, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Töllner
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Louise Benning
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Marie Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, 68167 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.B.); (H.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Heeyoung Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, 68167 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.B.); (H.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Christian Nusshag
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Florian Kälble
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Marvin Reineke
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Paula Reichel
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Paul Schnitzler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Martin Zeier
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Christian Morath
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Raoul Bergner
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Clinical Center Ludwigshafen, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany;
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, 68167 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.B.); (H.K.); (R.B.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg Partner Site, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hanns-Martin Lorenz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Matthias Schaier
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (M.T.); (L.B.); (C.N.); (F.K.); (M.R.); (P.R.); (M.Z.); (C.M.); (M.S.)
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7
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Ammitzbøll C, Kragh Thomsen M, Bøgh Andersen J, Jensen JMB, From Hermansen ML, Dahl Johannsen A, Larsen ML, Mistegaard CE, Mikkelsen S, Szabados F, Vils SR, Erikstrup C, Hauge EM, Troldborg A. Rituximab-treated rheumatic patients: B cells predict seroconversion after COVID-19 boost or revaccination in initial vaccine non-responders. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:2544-2549. [PMID: 36445008 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of either a booster vaccine (one dose) or revaccination (two doses 3 weeks apart) on the antibody response to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in patients with rheumatic disease (RD) treated with rituximab (RTX) who had not produced vaccine-reactive antibodies after the initial two vaccine doses. Further, to examine if B cell levels in peripheral blood predicted seroconversion. METHODS We included 91 RTX-treated RD patients previously vaccinated against COVID-19. Patients were offered revaccination or a single booster vaccination with an mRNA vaccine. Serum total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured before and 6 weeks after the last vaccine dose. B cells (CD19+CD45+) were measured by flow cytometry at inclusion. RESULTS Of RD patients with undetectable SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels before inclusion, seroconversion was seen in 38% 6 weeks after the booster dose and 32% after revaccination. Patients receiving revaccination had significantly higher antibody levels than patients receiving a booster dose (P < 0.001). In both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, only B cells higher than 10/µl before boost or revaccination were associated with seroconversion (P = 0.009 and P = 0.01, respectively). Seroconversion was independent of age, gender, diagnosis, cumulative RTX dose, RTX treatment time and time since last RTX treatment. CONCLUSION Continuously impaired humoral response to mRNA vaccines was found in most RTX-treated patients after a booster dose or revaccination. Seroconversion was observed in approximately one-third of the patients. Measurable B cells before boosting or revaccination was the strongest predictor of antibody response after boost or revaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ammitzbøll
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Kragh Thomsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Magnus Berth Jensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Mads Lamm Larsen
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Clara Elbæk Mistegaard
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susan Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Signe Risbøl Vils
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Troldborg
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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8
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The impact of immunomodulating treatment on the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases compared to healthy controls. A Swedish nationwide study (COVID19-REUMA). Vaccine 2023; 41:3247-3257. [PMID: 37076360 PMCID: PMC10070777 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To elucidate antibody responses after the second and third dose of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) treated with biologic/targeted disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (b/ts DMARDs). Methods Antibody levels to antigens representing spike full length protein and spike S1 were measured before vaccination, 2-12 weeks after the second dose, before and after the third dose using multiplex bead-based serology assay. Positive antibody response was defined as antibody levels over cut off (seropositivity) in seronegative individuals or ≥4-fold increase in antibodies in individuals seropositive for both spike proteins. Results Patients (n=414) receiving b/ts DMARDs (283 had arthritis, 75 systemic vasculitis and 56 other autoimmune diseases) and controls (n=61) from five Swedish regions participated. Treatments groups were: rituximab (n=145); abatacept (n=22); Interleukin 6 receptor inhibitors [IL6i (n=79)]; JAnus Kinase Inhibitors [JAKi (n=58)], Tumour Necrosis Factor inhibitor [TNFi (n=68)] and Interleukin12/23/17 inhibitors [IL12/23/17i (n=42)]. Percentage of patients with positive antibody response after two doses was significantly lower in rituximab (33,8%) and abatacept (40,9%) (p<0,001) but not in IL12/23/17i, TNFi or JAKi groups compared to controls (80,3%). Higher age, rituximab treatment and shorter time between last rituximab course and vaccination predicted impaired antibody response. Antibody levels collected 21-40 weeks after second dose decreased significantly (IL6i: p=0,02; other groups: p<0,001) compared to levels at 2-12 week but most participants remained seropositive. Proportion of patients with positive antibody response increased after third dose but was still significantly lower in rituximab (p<0,001). Conclusions Older individuals and patients on maintenance rituximab have an impaired response after two doses of COVID-19 vaccine which improves if the time between last rituximab course and vaccination extends and also after an additional vaccine dose. Rituximab patients should be prioritized for booster vaccine doses. TNFi, JAKi and IL12/23/17i does not diminished humoral response to primary and an additional vaccination.
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9
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Seree-aphinan C, Ratanapokasatit Y, Suchonwanit P, Rattanakaemakorn P, O-Charoen P, Pisitkun P, Suangtamai T, Setthaudom C, Chirasuthat S, Chanprapaph K. Optimal time for COVID-19 vaccination in rituximab-treated dermatologic patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1138765. [PMID: 37006291 PMCID: PMC10050596 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1138765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundBy depleting circulating B lymphocytes, rituximab time-dependently suppresses coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines’ humoral immunogenicity for a prolonged period. The optimal time to vaccinate rituximab-exposed immune-mediated dermatologic disease (IMDD) patients is currently unclear.ObjectiveTo estimate the vaccination timeframe that equalized the occurrence of humoral immunogenicity outcomes between rituximab-exposed and rituximab-naïve IMDD patients.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study recruited rituximab-exposed and age-matched rituximab-naïve subjects tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific immunity post-vaccination. Baseline clinical and immunological data (i.e., immunoglobulin levels, lymphocyte immunophenotyping) and SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity levels were extracted. The outcomes compared were the percentages of subjects who produced neutralizing antibodies (seroconversion rates, SR) and SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels among seroconverters. The outcomes were first analyzed using multiple regressions adjusted for the effects of corticosteroid use, steroid-spearing agents, and pre-vaccination immunological status (i.e., IgM levels, the percentages of the total, naïve, and memory B lymphocytes) to identify rituximab-related immunogenicity outcomes. The rituximab-related outcome differences with a 95% confidence interval (CI) between groups were calculated, starting by including every subject and then narrowing down to those with longer rituximab-to-vaccination intervals (≥3, ≥6, ≥9, ≥12 months). The desirable cut-off performances were <25% outcome inferiority observed among rituximab-exposed subgroups compared to rituximab-naïve subjects, and the positive likelihood ratio (LR+) for the corresponding outcomes ≥2.FindingsForty-five rituximab-exposed and 90 rituximab-naive subjects were included. The regression analysis demonstrated a negative association between rituximab exposure status and SR but not with SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels. Nine-month rituximab-to-vaccination cut-off fulfilled our prespecified diagnostic performance (SR difference between rituximab-exposed and rituximab-naïve group [95%CI]: -2.6 [-23.3, 18.1], LR+: 2.6) and coincided with the repopulation of naïve B lymphocytes in these patients.ConclusionsNine months of rituximab-to-vaccination interval maximize the immunological benefits of COVID-19 vaccines while avoiding unnecessary delay in vaccination and rituximab treatment for IMDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutima Seree-aphinan
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yanisa Ratanapokasatit
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Poonkiat Suchonwanit
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ploysyne Rattanakaemakorn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pichaya O-Charoen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prapaporn Pisitkun
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanitta Suangtamai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chavachol Setthaudom
- Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sonphet Chirasuthat
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kumutnart Chanprapaph
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Kumutnart Chanprapaph,
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10
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Egri N, Calderón H, Martinez R, Vazquez M, Gómez-Caverzaschi V, Pascal M, Araújo O, Juan M, González-Navarro EA, Hernández-Rodríguez J. Cellular and humoral responses after second and third SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in patients with autoimmune diseases treated with rituximab: specific T cell immunity remains longer and plays a protective role against SARS-CoV-2 reinfections. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1146841. [PMID: 37180097 PMCID: PMC10174323 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1146841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Humoral and cellular immune responses are known to be crucial for patients to recover from COVID-19 and to protect them against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection once infected or vaccinated. Objectives This study aimed to investigate humoral and T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with autoimmune diseases after the second and third vaccine doses while on rituximab and their potential protective role against reinfection. Methods Ten COVID-19-naïve patients were included. Three time points were used for monitoring cellular and humoral responses: pre-vaccine to exclude virus exposure (time point 1) and post-second and post-third vaccine (time points 2 and 3). Specific IgG antibodies were monitored by Luminex and T cells against SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein by ELISpot and CoVITEST. All episodes of symptomatic COVID-19 were recorded. Results Nine patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and one with an undifferentiated autoimmune disease were included. Nine patients received mRNA vaccines. The last rituximab infusion was administered for a mean (SD) of 15 (10) weeks before the first vaccine and six patients were CD19-B cell-depleted. After a mean (SD) of 19 (10) and 16 (2) days from the second and third vaccine dose, IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in six (60%) and eight (80%) patients, respectively. All patients developed specific T cell responses by ELISpot and CoVITEST in time points 2 and 3. Previous B cell depletion correlated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. Nine (90%) patients developed mild COVID-19 after a median of 7 months of the third dose. Conclusion Rituximab in patients with autoimmune diseases reduces humoral responses but does not avoid the development of T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, which remain present after a booster dose. A steady cellular immunity appears to be protective against subsequent reinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Egri
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET); Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hugo Calderón
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET); Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert Martinez
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET); Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mario Vazquez
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET); Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Gómez-Caverzaschi
- Clinical Unit of Autoinflammatory Diseases and Vasculitis Research Unit, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET), Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Pascal
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET); Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Araújo
- Clinical Unit of Autoinflammatory Diseases and Vasculitis Research Unit, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET), Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Juan
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET); Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Europa Azucena González-Navarro
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET); Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Hernández-Rodríguez
- Clinical Unit of Autoinflammatory Diseases and Vasculitis Research Unit, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) for Rare Immunodeficiency, Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) and ERN on Connective Tissue and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ReCONNET), Spanish Center of the Centros, Servicios y Unidades de Referencia (CSUR) and Catalan Center of the Xarxa d’Unitats d’Expertesa Clínica (XUEC) for Autoinflammatory Diseases, Autoimmune Diseases and Primary Immunodeficiencies, Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: José Hernández-Rodríguez,
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11
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Alexopoulos H, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Terpos E. Clinical usefulness of testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 107:7-16. [PMID: 36379820 PMCID: PMC9647045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the COVID-19 pandemic era, antibody testing against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has proven an invaluable tool and herein we highlight some of the most useful clinical and/or epidemiological applications of humoral immune responses recording. Anti-spike circulating IgGs and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies can serve as predictors of disease progression or disease prevention, whereas anti-nucleocapsid antibodies can help distinguishing infection from vaccination. Also, in the era of immunotherapies we address the validity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody monitoring post-infection and/or vaccination following therapies with the popular anti-CD20 monoclonals, as well as in the context of various cancers or autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Additional crucial applications include population immunosurveillance, either at the general population or at specific communities such as health workers. Finally, we discuss how testing of antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid can inform us on the neurological complications that often accompany COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Alexopoulos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 15784, Greece
| | - Ioannis P Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 15784, Greece
| | - Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, 11528, Greece.
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12
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The Impact of Immune-Modifying Treatments for Skin Diseases on the Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccines: a Narrative Review. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 11:263-288. [PMID: 36310766 PMCID: PMC9592867 DOI: 10.1007/s13671-022-00376-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review SARS-CoV-2 has had a devastating global effect, with vaccinations being paramount in the public health strategy against COVID-19. Vaccinations have uncoupled infection from adverse COVID-19 outcomes worldwide. While immune-modifying therapies are effective for the management of skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, these medications also impair protective immune responses. There has been longstanding uncertainty and concern over the impact of immune-modifying therapies on the effectiveness of vaccines; for example, it is well recognised that methotrexate impairs humoral responses to both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. This narrative review aims to discuss the evidence to date on the impact of immune-modifying therapies on the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, with a focus on the first two vaccine doses. Recent Findings Individuals receiving immune-modifying therapy are more likely to have attenuated humoral responses to a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared to healthy controls; however, this may be improved by a complete course of vaccination. B cell targeted biologics such as rituximab markedly impair the humoral response to both the first and second COVID-19 vaccination. There remains a paucity of data on cellular immune responses, with the few available studies indicating lower responses to two vaccine doses in individuals receiving immune-modifying therapies compared to healthy controls, which may impact the durability of immune responses. Summary Inadequate humoral immune responses to a single dose of vaccine in the context of immune-modifying therapy are improved by a complete course of vaccination. Individuals receiving immune-modifying treatments should be encouraged to take up a complete vaccine course to mitigate their risk against COVID-19. Research in large patient populations on the longevity/kinetics of the complex humoral and cellular response to subsequent vaccine doses, including against newer variants of concern, is warranted, in addition to data on immune correlates of vaccine clinical effectiveness.
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13
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Ammitzbøll C, Thomsen MK, Andersen JB, Bartels LE, Hermansen MLF, Johannsen AD, Mistegaard CE, Mikkelsen S, Vils SR, Erikstrup C, Hauge EM, Troldborg A. COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases Leads to a High Seroconversion Rate and Reduced Self-Imposed Isolation and Shielding Behavior. Mod Rheumatol 2022:6647614. [PMID: 35860843 PMCID: PMC9384499 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated the effect of a two-dose mRNA vaccine on antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 and patient behavior and shielding concerning fear of COVID-19 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS Three-hundred-and-three patients and 44 blood donors were included. All patients received two doses of an mRNA vaccine and had total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 measured before vaccination and 2 and 9 weeks after the second vaccination. Further, patients answered an electronic questionnaire before and after vaccination concerning behavior, anxiety, and symptoms of depression (PHQ-9). RESULTS Significantly fewer patients (90%) had measurable antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 compared to blood donors (100%) after the second vaccination (p<0.001). Treatment with rituximab was the strongest predictor of an unfavorable vaccine response, as only 27% had measurable antibodies. Nearly all patients (97%) not treated with rituximab experienced seroconversion. Prednisone and methotrexate had a negative effect on seroconversion, but no effect of age or comorbidity was observed. Patients experienced significant improvement after vaccination in 10 out of 12 questions regarding behavior and fear of COVID-19, while no change in PHQ-9 or anxiety was observed. CONCLUSION We find a very high seroconversion rate among rheumatic patients, and reduced self-imposed isolation and shielding after COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ammitzbøll
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Kragh Thomsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Erik Bartels
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Clara Elbæk Mistegaard
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susan Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Signe Risbøl Vils
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ellen-Margrethe Hauge
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Troldborg
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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RNA Viruses, Pregnancy and Vaccination: Emerging Lessons from COVID-19 and Ebola Virus Disease. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070800. [PMID: 35890044 PMCID: PMC9322689 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070800] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic viruses with an RNA genome represent a challenge for global human health since they have the tremendous potential to develop into devastating pandemics/epidemics. The management of the recent COVID-19 pandemic was possible to a certain extent only because of the strong foundations laid by the research on previous viral outbreaks, especially Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). A clear understanding of the mechanisms of the host immune response generated upon viral infections is a prime requisite for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Hence, we present here a comparative study of alterations in immune response upon SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola virus infections that illustrate many common features. Vaccination and pregnancy are two important aspects that need to be studied from an immunological perspective. So, we summarize the outcomes and immune responses in vaccinated and pregnant individuals in the context of COVID-19 and EVD. Considering the significance of immunomodulatory approaches in combating both these diseases, we have also presented the state of the art of such therapeutics and prophylactics. Currently, several vaccines against these viruses have been approved or are under clinical trials in various parts of the world. Therefore, we also recapitulate the latest developments in these which would inspire researchers to look for possibilities of developing vaccines against many other RNA viruses. We hope that the similar aspects in COVID-19 and EVD open up new avenues for the development of pan-viral therapies.
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Answer to De Marchi et al. Joint Bone Spine 2022;89:105408. Joint Bone Spine 2022; 89:105412. [PMID: 35605879 PMCID: PMC9179301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2022.105412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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