Most cited article - PubMed ID 36661489
Autoimmunity and Immunodeficiency in Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Prolonged COVID-19
Vaccines represent an essential tool for the prevention of infectious diseases. Upon administration, a complex interaction occurs between the vaccine formulation and the recipient's immune system, ultimately resulting in protection against disease. Significant variability exists in individual and population responses to vaccination, and these differences remain the focus of the ongoing research. Notably, well-documented factors, such as age, gender, and genetic predisposition, influence immune responses. In contrast, the effects of overweight and obesity have not been as thoroughly investigated. The evidence indicates that a high body mass index (BMI) constitutes a significant risk factor for infections in general, with adipose tissue playing a crucial role in modulating the immune response. Furthermore, suboptimal levels of vaccine seroconversion have been observed among individuals with obesity. This review provides a plausible examination of the immunity and protection conferred by various vaccines in individuals with an overweight status, offering a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms to enhance vaccination efficiency.
- Keywords
- adipokines, gender, immune response, inactivated vaccine, mRNA vaccines, obesity, recombinant vaccines, thyroid hormones, vaccine response,
- MeSH
- Body Mass Index MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Obesity * immunology MeSH
- Sex Factors MeSH
- Adipose Tissue * immunology MeSH
- Vaccination MeSH
- Vaccines * immunology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Vaccines * MeSH
Extensive research has been conducted on the SARS-CoV-2 virus in association with various infectious diseases to understand the pathophysiology of the infection and potential co-infections. In tropical countries, exposure to local viruses may alter the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and coinfection. Notably, only a portion of the antibodies produced against SARS-CoV-2 proteins demonstrate neutralizing properties, and the immune response following natural infection tends to be temporary. In contrast, long-lasting IgG antibodies are common after dengue virus infections. In cases where preexisting antibodies from an initial dengue virus infection bind to a different dengue serotype during a subsequent infection, there is a potential for antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and the formation of immune complexes associated with disease severity. Both SARS-CoV-2 and dengue infections can result in immunodeficiency. Viral proteins of both viruses interfere with the host's IFN-I signaling. Additionally, a cytokine storm can occur after viral infection, impairing a proper response, and autoantibodies against a wide array of proteins can appear during convalescence. Most of the reported autoantibodies are typically short-lived. Vaccines against both viruses alter the immune response, affecting the course of viral infection and enhancing clearance. A comprehensive analysis of both viral infections and pathogenicity is revisited to prevent infection, severity, and mortality.
- Keywords
- COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 infection, antibodies, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), cytokine storm, dengue infection, platelets,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * immunology virology MeSH
- Dengue * immunology virology MeSH
- Coinfection immunology virology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Antibodies, Viral * immunology MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * immunology MeSH
- Dengue Virus * immunology MeSH
- Antibody-Dependent Enhancement immunology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Antibodies, Viral * MeSH
Several studies suggest that children infected with SARS-CoV-2 have fewer clinical manifestations than adults; when they develop symptoms, they rarely progress to severe disease. Different immunological theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. In September 2020, 16% of the active COVID-19 cases in Venezuela were children under 19 years. We conducted a cross-sectional study of pediatric patients' immune response and clinical conditions with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients were admitted to the COVID-19 area of the emergency department of Dr José Manuel de los Ríos Children's Hospital (2021-2022). The lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry, and IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 serum concentrations were quantified using commercial ELISA assays. The analysis was conducted on 72 patients aged one month to 18 years. The majority, 52.8%, had mild disease, and 30.6% of the patients were diagnosed with MIS-C. The main symptoms reported were fever, cough, and diarrhea. A correlation was found between IL-10 and IL-6 concentrations and age group, lymphocyte subpopulations and nutritional status and steroid use, and IL-6 concentrations and clinical severity. The results suggest a different immune response depending on age and nutritional status that should be considered for treating pediatric COVID-19 patients.
- Keywords
- COVID-19, IFNγ, IL-10, IL-6, MIS-C, lymphocyte subpopulations, malnutrition, pediatric COVID-19, steroids,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH