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Priddey A, Chen-Xu MXH, Cooper DJ, MacMillan S, Meisl G, Xu CK, Hosmillo M, Goodfellow IG, Kollyfas R, Doffinger R, Bradley JR, Mohorianu II, Jones R, Knowles TPJ, Smith R, Kosmoliaptsis V. Microfluidic antibody profiling after repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination links antibody affinity and concentration to impaired immunity and variant escape in patients on anti-CD20 therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1296148. [PMID: 38259440 PMCID: PMC10800570 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1296148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with autoimmune/inflammatory conditions on anti-CD20 therapies, such as rituximab, have suboptimal humoral responses to vaccination and are vulnerable to poorer clinical outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to examine how the fundamental parameters of antibody responses, namely, affinity and concentration, shape the quality of humoral immunity after vaccination in these patients. Methods We performed in-depth antibody characterisation in sera collected 4 to 6 weeks after each of three vaccine doses to wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 in rituximab-treated primary vasculitis patients (n = 14) using Luminex and pseudovirus neutralisation assays, whereas we used a novel microfluidic-based immunoassay to quantify polyclonal antibody affinity and concentration against both WT and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants. We performed comparative antibody profiling at equivalent timepoints in healthy individuals after three antigenic exposures to WT SARS-CoV-2 (one infection and two vaccinations; n = 15) and in convalescent patients after WT SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 30). Results Rituximab-treated patients had lower antibody levels and neutralisation titres against both WT and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants compared to healthy individuals. Neutralisation capacity was weaker against Omicron versus WT both in rituximab-treated patients and in healthy individuals. In the rituximab cohort, this was driven by lower antibody affinity against Omicron versus WT [median (range) KD: 21.6 (9.7-38.8) nM vs. 4.6 (2.3-44.8) nM, p = 0.0004]. By contrast, healthy individuals with hybrid immunity produced a broader antibody response, a subset of which recognised Omicron with higher affinity than antibodies in rituximab-treated patients [median (range) KD: 1.05 (0.45-1.84) nM vs. 20.25 (13.2-38.8) nM, p = 0.0002], underpinning the stronger serum neutralisation capacity against Omicron in the former group. Rituximab-treated patients had similar anti-WT antibody levels and neutralisation titres to unvaccinated convalescent individuals, despite two more exposures to SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Temporal profiling of the antibody response showed evidence of affinity maturation in healthy convalescent patients after a single SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was not observed in rituximab-treated patients, despite repeated vaccination. Discussion Our results enrich previous observations of impaired humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in rituximab-treated patients and highlight the significance of quantitative assessment of serum antibody affinity and concentration in monitoring anti-viral immunity, viral escape, and the evolution of the humoral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Priddey
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Xin Hua Chen-Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel James Cooper
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Serena MacMillan
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Georg Meisl
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine K. Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Myra Hosmillo
- Department of Pathology, Division of Virology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ian G. Goodfellow
- Department of Pathology, Division of Virology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael Kollyfas
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rainer Doffinger
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John R. Bradley
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Irina I. Mohorianu
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Jones
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tuomas P. J. Knowles
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rona Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vasilis Kosmoliaptsis
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation at the University of Cambridge and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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2
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Antinori A, Bausch-Jurken M. The Burden of COVID-19 in the Immunocompromised Patient: Implications for Vaccination and Needs for the Future. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S4-S12. [PMID: 37539764 PMCID: PMC10401620 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 3% of US adults are immunocompromised and less capable of fighting infections such as SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agent of COVID-19). Individuals may be immunocompromised for reasons related to an underlying medical condition or to immunomodulatory therapies that alter the immune response. In general, vaccination with mRNA-based vaccines is effective at reducing COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death among immunocompromised populations, particularly after 3 or more doses. However, the immunocompromised population is heterogeneous, with COVID-19 vaccine-elicited immune responses and risk for severe COVID-19 existing on a continuum. Therefore, understanding the impact of vaccination and the complexity of immune responses across heterogeneous immunocompromised individuals is essential for guiding effective vaccination regimens including additional (booster) doses. In this article, we provide an overview of the immunocompromised population and the burden of disease attributable to COVID-19, while discussing key opportunities and challenges of vaccinating immunocompromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antinori
- Correspondence: Andrea Antinori, MD, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Roma RM, Italy (); Mary Bausch-Jurken, PhD, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA ()
| | - Mary Bausch-Jurken
- Correspondence: Andrea Antinori, MD, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Roma RM, Italy (); Mary Bausch-Jurken, PhD, Moderna, Inc., 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA ()
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3
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Schultz K, Jannat-Khah D, Spiera R. B Cell Reconstitution is Associated With COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Responsiveness in Patients Previously Seronegative Treated With Rituximab. J Rheumatol 2023; 50:420-425. [PMID: 36521910 PMCID: PMC11059211 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.220475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess factors associated with serologic response to the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) booster vaccine in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases treated with rituximab (RTX) who were previously serologically unresponsive to the initial vaccine series. METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients treated with RTX who failed to demonstrate a serologic response to the first SARS-CoV-2 vaccination series and subsequently received an mRNA vaccine booster was performed. Serologic response ≥ 4 weeks after the booster was the primary outcome. Fisher exact tests, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used for comparisons. RESULTS In 31 patients who were previously seronegative, 68% seroconverted following a booster of the COVID-19 vaccine. B cell reconstitution was significantly different between those with positive (median 1.79, IQR 0.65-3.00) and negative (median 0, IQR 0-0) serologic responses to the booster. The days from last RTX dose were also statistically different among seroconverters (median 301, IQR 251-368) vs nonseroconverters (median 188, IQR 169-245). Demographic characteristics were not associated with serologic positivity. Positive predictive value of B cell presence was 90.9% (95% CI 70.8-98.9) and negative predictive value was 100% (95% CI 59-100) for serologic response to the mRNA booster vaccine. Positive predictive value of time ≥ 6 months from last RTX dose to booster was 78.3% (95% CI 56.3-92.5) and the negative predictive value was 62.5% (95% CI 24.5-91.5). CONCLUSION Detectable B cells and longer time from last RTX exposure were associated with the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies following the booster vaccine. These findings should be considered in timing boosters in patients treated with RTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Schultz
- K. Schultz, BA, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery
| | - Deanna Jannat-Khah
- D. Jannat-Khah, DrPH, MSPH, R. Spiera, MD, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert Spiera
- D. Jannat-Khah, DrPH, MSPH, R. Spiera, MD, Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
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Wroński J, Jaszczyk B, Roszkowski L, Felis-Giemza A, Bonek K, Kornatka A, Plebańczyk M, Burakowski T, Lisowska B, Kwiatkowska B, Maśliński W, Wisłowska M, Massalska M, Kuca-Warnawin E, Ciechomska M. The Kinetics of Humoral and Cellular Responses after the Booster Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine in Inflammatory Arthritis Patients. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030620. [PMID: 36992329 PMCID: PMC10052973 DOI: 10.3390/v15030620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccinations in inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients results in diminished immunity. However, optimal booster vaccination regimens are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the kinetics of humoral and cellular responses in IA patients after the COVID-19 booster. In 29 IA patients and 16 healthy controls (HC), humoral responses (level of IgG antibodies) and cellular responses (IFN-γ production) were assessed before (T0), after 4 weeks (T1), and after more than 6 months (T2) from the booster vaccination with BNT162b2. IA patients, but not HC, showed lower anti-S-IgG concentration and IGRA fold change at T2 compared to T1 (p = 0.026 and p = 0.031). Furthermore, in IA patients the level of cellular response at T2 returned to the pre-booster level (T0). All immunomodulatory drugs, except IL-6 and IL-17 inhibitors for the humoral and IL-17 inhibitors for the cellular response, impaired the immunogenicity of the booster dose at T2. Our study showed impaired kinetics of both humoral and cellular responses after the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in IA patients, which, in the case of cellular response, did not allow the vaccination effect to be maintained for more than 6 months. Repetitive vaccination with subsequent booster doses seems to be necessary for IA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wroński
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Bożena Jaszczyk
- Department of Outpatient Clinics, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Roszkowski
- Department of Outpatient Clinics, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Felis-Giemza
- Biologic Therapy Center, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bonek
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kornatka
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Plebańczyk
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Burakowski
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Lisowska
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brygida Kwiatkowska
- Department of Early Arthritis, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Maśliński
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Wisłowska
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Massalska
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kuca-Warnawin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Ciechomska
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Sabatino JJ, Mittl K, Rowles W, Zamecnik CR, Loudermilk RP, Gerungan C, Spencer CM, Sagan SA, Alexander J, Mcpolin K, Chen P, Deshpande C, Wyse K, Maiese EM, Wilson MR, Zamvil SS, Bove R. Longitudinal adaptive immune responses following sequential SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in MS patients on anti-CD20 therapies and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 70:104484. [PMID: 36608538 PMCID: PMC9794398 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine represents an important treatment goal in caring for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Previous data so far have demonstrated lower spike-specific IgG responses following two SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in MS patients treated with sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) compared to other disease modifying therapies (DMTs). It is unknown whether subsequent vaccinations can augment antibody responses in these patients. OBJECTIVES The goal of this observational study was to determine the effects of a third SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on antibody and T cell responses in MS patients treated with anti-CD20 mAb or S1P receptor modulators. METHODS Vaccine responses in patients treated with anti-CD20 antibodies (ocrelizumab and ofatumumab) or S1P receptor modulators (fingolimod and siponimod) were evaluated before and after third SARS-CoV-2 vaccination as part of an ongoing longitudinal study. Total spike protein and spike receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific IgG responses were measured by Luminex bead-based assay. Spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were measured by activation-induced marker expression. RESULTS MS patients and healthy controls were enrolled before and following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. A total of 31 MS patients (n = 10 ofatumumab, n = 13 ocrelizumab, n = 8 S1P) and 10 healthy controls were evaluated through three SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. Compared to healthy controls, total spike IgG was significantly lower in anti-CD20 mAb-treated patients and spike RBD IgG was significantly lower in anti-CD20 mAb and S1P-treated patients following a third vaccination. While seropositivity was 100% in healthy controls after a third vaccination, total spike IgG and spike RBD IgG seropositivity were lower in ofatumumab (60% and 60%, respectively), ocrelizumab (85% and 46%, respectively), and S1P-treated patients (100% and 75%, respectively). Longer treatment duration, including prior treatment history, appeared to negatively impact antibody responses. Spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were well maintained across all groups following a third vaccination. Finally, immune responses were also compared in patients who were vaccinated prior to or following ofatumumab treatment. Antibody responses were significantly higher in those patients who received their primary SARS-CoV-2 vaccination prior to initiating ofatumumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the evolving understanding of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine responses in people with MS treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) known to suppress humoral immunity. Our findings provide important information for optimizing vaccine immunity in at-risk MS patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Sabatino
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristen Mittl
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William Rowles
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Colin R Zamecnik
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rita P Loudermilk
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chloe Gerungan
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Collin M Spencer
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sharon A Sagan
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessa Alexander
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kira Mcpolin
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - PeiXi Chen
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Kerri Wyse
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | | | - Michael R Wilson
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Scott S Zamvil
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Riley Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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6
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Kartnig F, Mrak D, Simader E, Tobudic S, Radner H, Mandl P, Göschl L, Hommer N, Mayer M, Hofer P, Hummel T, Deimel T, Geßl I, Puchner A, Kerschbaumer A, Thalhammer R, Handisurya A, Kain R, Winkler S, Smolen JS, Stiasny K, Perkmann T, Haslacher H, Aberle JH, Aletaha D, Heinz LX, Sieghart D, Bonelli M. Safety and immunogenicity of a third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases compared with healthy controls. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:292-300. [PMID: 36109141 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A third COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for immunosuppressed patients. However, data on immunogenicity and safety of a third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are sparse and therefore addressed within this clinical trial. METHODS 60 immunosuppressed patients and 48 healthy controls (HCs) received a third vaccination with an mRNA vaccine. The primary endpoint was defined as the presence of antibody levels against the receptor-binding domain (RBD)>1500 BAU/mL in patients with IMIDs versus HCs. Further endpoints included differences in neutralising antibodies and cellular immune responses after the third vaccination. Reactogenicity was recorded for 7 days, and safety was evaluated until week 4. RESULTS Rate of individuals with anti-RBD antibodies>1500 BAU/mL was not significantly different after the third vaccination between patients with IMIDs and HCs (91% vs 100% p=0.101). Anti-RBD and neutralising antibody levels were significantly lower in patients with IMIDs after the third vaccination than in HCs (p=0.002 and p=0.016, respectively). In contrast, fold increase in antibody levels between week 0 and 4 was higher in patients with IMIDs. Treatment with biological (b) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) or combination of bDMARDs and conventional synthetic DMARDs was associated with reduced antibody levels. Enhanced cellular immune response to wild type and Omicron peptide stimulation was observed after the third vaccination. No serious adverse event was attributed to the third vaccination. CONCLUSION Our clinical trial data support the immunogenicity and safety of a third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IMIDs. However, effects of DMARD therapy on immunogenicity should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER EudraCT No: 2021-002693-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Kartnig
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Mrak
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Simader
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Selma Tobudic
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helga Radner
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Mandl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Göschl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Hommer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margareta Mayer
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Hofer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Deimel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irina Geßl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonia Puchner
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Kerschbaumer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Thalhammer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Renate Kain
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Winkler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Perkmann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmuth Haslacher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith H Aberle
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard X Heinz
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Sieghart
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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7
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Quartuccio L, De Marchi G, Domenis R, Cabas N, Guella S, Paradiso A, Fabro C, Beltrami AP, De Vita S, Curcio F. Humoral and T-Cell Mediated Response after the Third Dose of mRNA Vaccines in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus on Belimumab. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031083. [PMID: 36769731 PMCID: PMC9917399 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031083] [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] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate humoral and T-cell cellular-mediated immune response after three doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) under Belimumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS 12 patients on Belimumab and 13 age-matched healthy volunteers were recruited. Patients were in remission or in low disease activity, and they were taking no corticosteroids or only low doses. None of the patients and controls had detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies due to previous exposure to the virus. All the patients received three doses of mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the humoral and cellular-mediated response were tested 4 weeks after the second dose (T0), 6 months after the second dose (T1) and 4 weeks after the third dose (T2). Comparison with the control group was performed at time T0 (i.e., 4 weeks after the second dose). Total anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibodies were analyzed using a diagnostic assay, while cellular-mediated response was evaluated using the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). RESULTS A humoral response was documented in all the patients at T0 (median 459; IQR 225.25-758.5), but the antibody titer significantly declined from T0 to T1 (median 44.7; IQR: 30.3-202; p = 0.0066). At T2, the antibody titer significantly increased from T1 (median 2500; IQR: 2500-2500), and it was not different from T0 (respectively p < 0.0001, p = 0.66). Cellular-mediated response significantly declined from T0 to T1 (p = 0.003) but not from T0 to T2 (p = 0.3). No differences were found between patients and controls at T0 as regards both humoral and cellular responses (p = 1.0 and p = 0.09 for humoral and cellular responses, respectively). CONCLUSION The third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can restore both humoral and cellular immune response in SLE patients on Belimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Quartuccio
- Division of Rheumatology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.Q.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Ginevra De Marchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.Q.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Rossana Domenis
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Nicola Cabas
- Division of Rheumatology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Silvia Guella
- Division of Rheumatology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Antonella Paradiso
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Cinzia Fabro
- Division of Rheumatology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Antonio Paolo Beltrami
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Vita
- Division of Rheumatology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Francesco Curcio
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Academic Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, ASUFC, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Wroński J, Jaszczyk B, Roszkowski L, Felis-Giemza A, Bonek K, Kornatka A, Plebańczyk M, Burakowski T, Lisowska B, Kwiatkowska B, Maśliński W, Wisłowska M, Massalska M, Ciechomska M, Kuca-Warnawin E. Humoral and cellular immunogenicity of COVID-19 booster dose vaccination in inflammatory arthritis patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033804. [PMID: 36389719 PMCID: PMC9659732 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have shown a reduction in the effectiveness of primary COVID-19 vaccination in patients with rheumatic diseases. However, limited data is available regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, especially on cellular response. The study aimed to assess the humoral and cellular immunogenicity of a booster dose in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA). PATIENTS AND METHODS 49 IA and 47 age and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were included in a prospective cohort study. Both groups completed primary COVID-19 vaccination and after more than 180 days received a BNT162b2 booster shot. Humoral responses (level of IgG antibodies) and cellular responses (IFN-γ production) were assessed before and after 4 weeks from the booster dose of the vaccine. RESULTS After the booster dose, all participants showed an increased humoral response, although significantly reduced antibody levels were observed in IA patients compared to HC (p=0.004). The cellular response was significantly lower both before (p<0.001) and after (p<0.001) the booster dose in IA patients as compared to HC. Among the immunomodulatory drugs, only biological and targeted synthetic drugs lowered the humoral response after booster vaccination. However, the cellular response was decreased after all immunomodulatory drugs except IL-17 inhibitors and sulfasalazine. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that patients with rheumatic diseases present lower humoral and cellular responses after the COVID-19 booster vaccine in comparison to HC. This may translate into a recommendation for subsequent booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for rheumatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wroński
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bożena Jaszczyk
- Department of Outpatient Clinics, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Roszkowski
- Department of Outpatient Clinics, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Felis-Giemza
- Biologic Therapy Center, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bonek
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kornatka
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Plebańczyk
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Burakowski
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Lisowska
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brygida Kwiatkowska
- Department of Early Arthritis, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Maśliński
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Wisłowska
- Department of Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Massalska
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Ciechomska
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kuca-Warnawin
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
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9
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van der Togt CJT, Ten Cate DF, van den Bemt BJF, Rahamat-Langendoen J, den Broeder N, den Broeder AA. Seroconversion after a third COVID-19 vaccine is affected by rituximab dose but persistence is not in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 62:1627-1630. [PMID: 36000861 PMCID: PMC9452149 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with (ultra-)low dose rituximab (RTX), we investigated (1) the association of dosing and timing of rituximab (RTX) on seroconversion after third COVID-19 vaccination, and (2) persistence of humoral response after two-dose vaccination. Methods In this monocentre observational study, patients from the COVAC-cohort were included in the third vaccine analysis if humoral response was obtained 2-6 weeks after third vaccination in previous non-responders, and in the persistence analysis if a follow-up humoral response was obtained before third vaccination in previous responders. Dichotomization between ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ response was based on the assay cut-off. The association between latest RTX dose before first vaccination, timing between latest rituximab and vaccination, and response was analysed with univariable logistic regression. Results Of the 196 patients in the cohort, 98 were included in the third vaccine analysis and 23 in the persistence analysis. Third vaccination response was 19/98 (19%) and higher for 200 mg RTX users (5/13, 38%) than 500 and 1000 mg (7/37, 19% and 7/48, 15%). Non-significant trends were seen for higher response with lower dosing (200 versus 1000 mg: OR 3.66, 95% CI 0.93-14.0) and later timing (per month since infusion: OR 1.16, 0.97-1.35). Humoral response persisted in 96% (22/23) and in 89% (8/9) of patients who received RTX between the two measurements. Conclusion Repeated vaccination as late as possible after the lowest RTX dose possible seems the best vaccination strategy. A once positive humoral response after COVID-19 vaccination persists irrespective of intercurrent rituximab infusion. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register, https://www.trialregister.nl/, NL9342
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Affiliation(s)
- Céleste J T van der Togt
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands
| | - David F Ten Cate
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J F van den Bemt
- Department of Pharmacy, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nathan den Broeder
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands
| | - Alfons A den Broeder
- Department of Rheumatology, Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands.,Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Stefanski AL, Rincon-Arevalo H, Schrezenmeier E, Karberg K, Szelinski F, Ritter J, Chen Y, Meisel C, Jahrsdörfer B, Ludwig C, Schrezenmeier H, Lino AC, Dörner T. Persistent but atypical germinal center reaction among 3rd SARS-CoV-2 vaccination after rituximab exposure. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943476. [PMID: 36032111 PMCID: PMC9399943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Durable vaccine-mediated immunity relies on the generation of long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells (MBCs), differentiating upon germinal center (GC) reactions. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination induces a strong GC response in healthy volunteers (HC), but limited data is available about response longevity upon rituximab treatment. Methods We evaluated humoral and cellular responses upon 3rd vaccination in seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who initially mounted anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies after primary 2x vaccination and got re-exposed to rituximab (RTX) 1-2 months after the second vaccination. Ten patients with RA on other therapies and ten HC represented the control groups. As control for known long-lived induced immunity, we analyzed humoral and cellular tetanus toxoid (TT) immune responses in steady-state. Results After 3rd vaccination, 5/7 seroconverted RTX patients revealed lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels but similar neutralizing capacity compared with HC. Antibody levels after 3rd vaccination correlated with values after 2nd vaccination. Despite significant reduction of circulating total and antigen-specific B cells in RTX re-exposed patients, we observed the induction of IgG+ MBCs upon 3rd vaccination. Notably, only RTX treated patients revealed a high amount of IgA+ MBCs before and IgA+ plasmablasts after 3rd vaccination. IgA+ B cells were not part of the steady state TT+ B cell pool. TNF-secretion and generation of effector memory CD4 spike-specific T cells were significantly boosted upon 3rd vaccination. Summary On the basis of pre-existing affinity matured MBCs within primary immunisation, RTX re-exposed patients revealed a persistent but atypical GC immune response accompanied by boosted spike-specific memory CD4 T cells upon SARS-CoV-2 recall vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Luisa Stefanski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ana-Luisa Stefanski,
| | - Hector Rincon-Arevalo
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Grupo de Inmunología Celular e Inmunogenética, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Eva Schrezenmeier
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Academy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Karberg
- Rheumatology Outpatient Office RheumaPraxis Steglitz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Szelinski
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacob Ritter
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Academy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yidan Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Meisel
- Department of Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine and Labor Berlin-Charité Vivantes, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Jahrsdörfer
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg – Hessen and University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Carolin Ludwig
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg – Hessen and University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg – Hessen and University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Dörner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
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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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