Strong response after fourth dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in autoimmune rheumatic diseases patients with poor response to inactivated vaccine

Author(s):Show less -

Aikawa, Nadia E. ; Kupa, Leonard V. K. ; Silva, Clovis A. ; Saad, Carla G. S. ; Pasoto, Sandra G. ; Yuki, Emily F. N. ; Fusco, Solange R. G. ; Shinjo, Samuel K. ; Andrade, Danieli C. O. ; Sampaio-Barros, Percival D. ; Pereira, Rosa M. R. ; Chasin, Anna C. S. ; Shimabuco, Andrea Y. ; Luppino-Assad, Ana P. ; Leon, Elaine P. ; Lopes, Marta H. ; Antonangelo, Leila ; Medeiros-Ribeiro, Ana C. ; Bonfa, Eloisa

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RHEUMATOLOGY; v. N/A, p. 6-pg., 2022-05-26.

Abstract

Objectives. To assess immunogenicity of a heterologous fourth dose of an mRNA (BNT162b2) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) patients with poor/non-response to inactivated vaccine (Sinovac-CoronaVac). Methods. A total of 164 ARD patients who were coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poor/non-responders (negative anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG and/or neutralizing antibodies-NAb) to the third dose of Sinovac-CoronaVac received an additional heterologous dose of mRNA (BNT162b2) 3 months after last dose. IgG and NAb were evaluated before and after the fourth dose. Results. Significant increases were observed after the fourth dose in IgG (66.4 vs 95.1%, P < 0.001), NAb positivity (5.5 vs 83.5%, P < 0.001) and geometric mean titre (29.5 vs 215.8 AU/ml, P < 0.001), and 28 (17.1%) remained poor/non-responders. Patients with negative IgG after a fourth dose were more frequently under rituximab (P = 0 .001) . Negative NAb was associated with older age (P = 0.015), RA (P = 0 .002) , SSc (P = 0 .026) , LEF (P = 0 .01 6) and rituximab use (P = 0.007) . In multiple logistic regression analysis, prednisone dose >= 7.5 mg/day (OR =0.34; P = 0.047) , LEF (OR =0.32, P = 0.036) and rituximab use (OR =0.19, P = 0.022) were independently associated with negative NAb after the fourth vaccine dose. Conclusions. This is the largest study to provide evidence of a remarkable humoral response after the fourth dose of heterologous mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in ARD patients with poor/non-response to the third dose of an inactivated vaccine. We further identified that treatment, particularly rituximab and prednisone, impaired antibody response to this additional dose. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/03756-4 - Assessment of relevance of blood levels of drugs in the monitoring rheumatic autoimmune diseases: safety, effectiveness and adherence to therapy
• Grantee: Eloisa Silva Dutra de Oliveira Bonfá
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/17272-0 - Relevance of monitoring blood levels compared to salivar levels of drugs used in rheumatic autoimmune diseases: adherence and understanding the possible underlying mechanisms involved in effectiveness and in adverse effects
• Grantee: Leonard de Vinci Kanda Kupa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral