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Chen WA, Chang DY, Chen BM, Lin YC, Barenholz Y, Roffler SR. Antibodies against Poly(ethylene glycol) Activate Innate Immune Cells and Induce Hypersensitivity Reactions to PEGylated Nanomedicines. ACS Nano 2023; 17:5757-5772. [PMID: 36926834 PMCID: PMC10062034 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nanomedicines and macromolecular drugs can induce hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) with symptoms ranging from flushing and breathing difficulties to hypothermia, hypotension, and death in the most severe cases. Because many normal individuals have pre-existing antibodies that bind to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which is often present on the surface of nanomedicines and macromolecular drugs, we examined if and how anti-PEG antibodies induce HSRs to PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). Anti-PEG IgG but not anti-PEG IgM induced symptoms of HSRs including hypothermia, altered lung function, and hypotension after PLD administration in C57BL/6 and nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice. Hypothermia was significantly reduced by blocking FcγRII/III, by depleting basophils, monocytes, neutrophils, or mast cells, and by inhibiting secretion of histamine and platelet-activating factor. Anti-PEG IgG also induced hypothermia in mice after administration of other PEGylated liposomes, nanoparticles, or proteins. Humanized anti-PEG IgG promoted binding of PEGylated nanoparticles to human immune cells and induced secretion of histamine from human basophils in the presence of PLD. Anti-PEG IgE could also induce hypersensitivity reactions in mice after administration of PLD. Our results demonstrate an important role for IgG antibodies in induction of HSRs to PEGylated nanomedicines through interaction with Fcγ receptors on innate immune cells and provide a deeper understanding of HSRs to PEGylated nanoparticles and macromolecular drugs that may facilitate development of safer nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-An Chen
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Yuan Chang
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Mae Chen
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Lin
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense
Medical Center, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yechezekel Barenholz
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The
Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Steve R. Roffler
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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Pesqué D, Pujol RM, Marcantonio O, Vidal-Navarro A, Ramada JM, Arderiu-Formentí A, Albalat-Torres A, Serra C, Giménez-Arnau AM. Study of Excipients in Delayed Skin Reactions to mRNA Vaccines: Positive Delayed Intradermal Reactions to Polyethylene Glycol Provide New Insights for COVID-19 Arm. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10. [PMID: 36560458 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin local reactions to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been linked to the use of vaccine excipients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of skin testing excipients in delayed skin reactions due to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS Skin testing among a group of healthcare workers with skin reactions due to mRNA vaccines was performed. Patch testing and intradermal testing (IDT) with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400, PEG-2000, trometamol, and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine were performed. Healthcare workers without skin reactions to vaccines were used for skin testing as controls. RESULTS Thirty-one healthcare workers (from a total of 4315 vaccinated healthcare workers) experienced cutaneous adverse vaccine reactions. Skin testing was performed in sixteen of the healthcare workers (11 delayed large local reactions (DLLR) and 5 widespread reactions). Positive IDT for PEG-2000 1% in DLLR was seen in 10 (90.9%) patients, in comparison with one (16.6%) individual with a delayed widespread reaction. Delayed positive IDT reactions for PEG-2000 1% on day 2 were observed in three (27.3%) patients with DLLR. Patch testing of the excipients was negative. Among 10 controls, only one exhibited a transient positive IDT reaction to PEG-2000 1%. CONCLUSIONS Immediate and delayed reactions to IDT are frequently detected in patients with DLLR. The observation of positive delayed intradermal reactions to PEG disclosed only in patients with DLLR reinforces a possible role of PEG in the development of these reactions. Skin testing of other excipients is of little importance in clinical practice.
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Bent RK, Faihs V, Tizek L, Biedermann T, Zink A, Brockow K. PEG allergy - A COVID-19 pandemic-made problem? A German perspective. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100714. [PMID: 36337297 PMCID: PMC9618425 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used for decades, but only caused allergic reactions exceptionally. Introduction of PEG-containing COVID-19 vaccines might have fostered public interest beyond medical reasoning. Objectives To investigate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the public interest in PEG allergy in Germany and the published PEG allergy cases worldwide. Methods A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted to measure public interest in PEG allergy analyzing Google search volume in Germany from February 2018 to January 2022. Medically confirmed “PEG allergy” cases were analyzed by looking at the numbers of PubMed case reports and case series from 1977 until January 2022. Results Web results in Germany before COVID-19 show search volumes related to “PEG allergy/testing” was negligible, with 10 search queries per month. The pandemic led to a >200-fold increase from 250 queries 2 years before to 55 720 queries 2 years thereafter, reflecting tremendous public interest. Additionally, the maximum monthly search volume from before to during the pandemic increased immensely for “vaccination” (57-fold), “vaccination and adverse effects” (85-fold), “vaccination and allergy” (71-fold). In contrast, the increase of publication numbers for the search term “PEG allergy” was small from 2019 to 2021 (2.5-fold). Only a very low number of 211 cases with “PEG allergy” worldwide since 1977 could be identified. Conclusion PEG allergy became a topic of major public interest because of COVID-19 vaccination. Scientific publications have increased to a lesser extent, probably promoted by public awareness. Conversely, the overall number of cases published with PEG allergy remain very low. The current high demand for COVID-19 vaccination allergy testing is triggered by public interest instead of medical reasoning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Knut Brockow
- Corresponding author. Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein Technische Universität München, Biedersteiner Str. 29, 80802 München, Germany
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Pfützner W. Anaphylaxis to drug excipients. Allergo J Int 2022; 31:137-140. [PMID: 35669611 PMCID: PMC9155194 DOI: 10.1007/s40629-022-00214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the therapeutic agent, drugs contain excipients such as stabilizers, preservatives, solubilizers, or dyes, some of which are identical to additives in foods. Anaphylaxis to these excipients is probably an underestimated problem. After the first descriptions of anaphylactic reactions to drug excipients appeared more than 30 years ago, the number of corresponding reports has increased significantly over the years. However, a diagnostic gap exists in the clarification of drug allergic reactions when the index product is not known and/or is not available for testing. In the present work, individual excipients are presented as examples for which publications on anaphylaxis are available. Furthermore, the options of allergological testing both in vivo and in vitro are discussed. The pathogenesis of such reactions is still unresolved in many cases, and current concepts are briefly presented in the conclusion. With increasing knowledge about anaphylaxis to drug excipients, it is assumed that these can then be recognized more often and diagnostically clarified.
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Pfützner W. Anaphylaxie auf Hilfsstoffe in Arzneimitteln. Allergo J 2022; 31:40-43. [PMID: 35911655 PMCID: PMC9309020 DOI: 10.1007/s15007-022-5055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neben dem therapeutischen Agens enthalten Arzneimittel Hilfsstoffe als beispielsweise Stabilisatoren, Konservierungsstoffe, Löslichkeitsvermittler oder Farbstoffe, die teilweise identisch mit Zusatzstoffen in Nahrungsmitteln sind. Anaphylaxien auf diese Hilfsstoffe sind ein vermutlich unterschätztes Problem. Nachdem erste Beschreibungen anaphylaktischer Reaktionen auf Arzneimittelhilfsstoffe bereits vor über 30 Jahren auftauchten, hat die Zahl entsprechender Berichte in den letzten Jahren deutlich zugenommen. Eine diagnostische Lücke besteht allerdings in der Abklärung arzneimittelallergischer Reaktionen, wenn das Indexpräparat nicht bekannt ist und/oder nicht als Originalpräparat für Testungen zur Verfügung steht. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden einzelne Hilfsstoffe exemplarisch vorgestellt, für die Publikationen zu Anaphylaxien vorliegen. Des Weiteren werden die Optionen allergologischer Testungen sowohl in vivo als auch in vitro besprochen. Die Pathogenese derartiger Reaktionen ist vielfach noch unklar, hier werden abschließend aktuelle Konzepte kurz vorgestellt. Mit zunehmendem Wissen über Anaphylaxien auf Arzneimittelhilfsstoffe ist davon auszugehen, dass diese auch vermehrt wahrgenommen und diagnostisch aufgeklärt werden können. Zitierweise: Pfützner W. Anaphylaxis to drug excipients. Allergo J Int 2022;31:137-40 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40629-022-00214-9
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Jover Cerdá V, Rodríguez Pacheco R, Doménech Witek J, Alonso Hernández S, Durán García R, Real Panisello M, Marco de la Calle FM. Allergological study in patients vaccinated against COVID-19 with suspected allergic reactions. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2022; 18:43. [PMID: 35624518 PMCID: PMC9136194 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-022-00685-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main barriers to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is the fear of developing hypersensitivity reactions to any of its components. Although these reactions are very rare, it is necessary to establish an effective protocol to detect patients at risk of developing them. The aim of this study was to evaluate hypersensitivity reactions in vaccinated patients in order to allow or not to complete the vaccination protocol. METHODS Descriptive and cross-sectional study in which patients with suspected hypersensitivity to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were evaluated. All patients underwent skin prick test (SPT) and/or intradermal test (IDT) with the vaccines and their excipients. In patients with positive IDT with the vaccine, a histopathological and immunohistochemical study was performed by skin biopsy. A basophil activation test (BAT) and a lymphoblastic transformation test (LTT) were also performed. RESULTS Sixteen patients with suspected hypersensitivity to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (12 received Comirnaty®, 3 received Vaxzevria®, and 1 received Spikevax®) were evaluated. Half had immediate hypersensitivity reactions and half had delayed reactions. All SPTs to excipients and vaccines were negative. IDTs with all excipients were negative. IDTs with vaccines were positive in 11 patients and negative in 5. The histological and immunohistochemical study of the two selected patients with positive IDT with vaccine showed T-lymphocyte involvement. BAT and LTT were negative in both cases. The vaccination protocol could be completed in 7 of 16 patients (44%) studied. The remaining 9 patients did not receive the second dose: 5 because vaccination was not required and 4 because they refused to be vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS Thanks to the allergological and immunohistochemical study, the vaccination protocol could be completed in about half of the patients who presented suspected hypersensitivity reactions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. IDTs with vaccines could be a valuable method for assessing the immunogenicity of the vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Jover Cerdá
- Allergology Department, General University Hospital of Elda, Ctra. De Sax, s/n - 03600 Elda, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Ramón Rodríguez Pacheco
- Allergology Department, General University Hospital of Elda, Ctra. De Sax, s/n - 03600 Elda, Alicante, Spain
| | - Joan Doménech Witek
- Allergology Department, General University Hospital of Elda, Ctra. De Sax, s/n - 03600 Elda, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Durán García
- Pathologic Anatomy Department, General University Hospital of Elda, Alicante, Spain
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Tramontana M, Bianchi L, Biondi F, Hansel K, Malatesta N, Marietti R, Stingeni L. A case of delayed allergy to polyethylene glycol 2000 and polysorbate 80 confirmed by patch test: Consequences for anti-SARS-CoV2 vaccination? Contact Dermatitis 2022; 87:209-210. [PMID: 35445750 DOI: 10.1111/cod.14131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tramontana
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bianchi
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Filippo Biondi
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Katharina Hansel
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Nicolò Malatesta
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rossella Marietti
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luca Stingeni
- Dermatology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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McSweeney MD, Mohan M, Commins SP, Lai SK. Anaphylaxis to Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Patient With Clinically Confirmed PEG Allergy. Front Allergy 2021; 2:715844. [PMID: 35387046 PMCID: PMC8974707 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.715844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although allergic responses to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are rare, recent reports have suggested that a small number of individuals with allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG), a component of the mRNA lipid nanoshell, may be at increased risk of anaphylaxis following vaccination. In this report, we describe a case of a patient who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, experienced anaphylaxis, and was subsequently confirmed to have anti-PEG allergy by skin prick testing. The patient had previously noticed urticaria after handling PEG powder for their occupation and had a history of severe allergic response to multiple other allergens. Importantly, as many as 70% of people possess detectable levels of anti-PEG antibodies, indicating that the detection of such antibodies does not imply high risk for an anaphylactic response to vaccination. However, in people with pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies, the administration of PEGylated liposomes may induce higher levels of antibodies, which may cause accelerated clearance of other PEGylated therapeutics a patient may be receiving. It is important to improve awareness of PEG allergy among patients and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manoj Mohan
- Okemos Allergy Center, Okemos, MI, United States
| | - Scott P. Commins
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Samuel K. Lai
- Mucommune, LLC, Durham, NC, United States
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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