Research

12 pages, 1921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Single Ferritin Nanocages Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike Variants to Receptor and Antibodies

by Monikaben Padariya and Umesh Kalathiya

Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050446 - 23 Apr 2024

Viewed by 146

SARS-CoV-2 virus variants of concern (VOCs) have rapidly changed their transmissibility and pathogenicity primarily through mutations in the structural proteins. Herein, we present molecular details with dynamics of the ferritin nanocages stitched with synthetic chimeras displaying the Spike receptor binding domains (RBDs). Our [...] Read more.

SARS-CoV-2 virus variants of concern (VOCs) have rapidly changed their transmissibility and pathogenicity primarily through mutations in the structural proteins. Herein, we present molecular details with dynamics of the ferritin nanocages stitched with synthetic chimeras displaying the Spike receptor binding domains (RBDs). Our findings demonstrated the potential usage of ferritin-based vaccines that may effectively inhibit viral entry by blocking the Spike–ACE2 network and may induce cross-protective antibody responses. Taking the nanocage constructs into consideration, we evaluated the effects of variants on the docked interface of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD with the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) host cell receptor and neutralizing antibodies (Abs). Investigating the VOCs revealed that most of the mutations reported a possibly reduced structural stability within the Spike RBD domain. Point mutations have moderate or no effect for VVH-72, CR3022, and S309 Abs when bound with the Spike RBD, whereas a significant effect was observed for B38, CB6, and m396 over the surface of the H-ferritin nanocage. In addition to providing useful therapeutic approaches against COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), these structural details can also be used to fight future coronavirus outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Natural and/or Vaccine Immunity on the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2)

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13 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Vaccination on Reinfection: A Community-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

by Hyerin Gim, Seul Lee, Haesook Seo, Yumi Park and Byung Chul Chun

Vaccines 2023, 11(9), 1408; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11091408 - 23 Aug 2023

Viewed by 941

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that is characterized by frequent reinfection. However, the factors influencing reinfection remain poorly elucidated, particularly regarding the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on preventing reinfection and its effects on symptomatology and the interval until reinfection. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that is characterized by frequent reinfection. However, the factors influencing reinfection remain poorly elucidated, particularly regarding the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on preventing reinfection and its effects on symptomatology and the interval until reinfection. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus reinfection between January 2020 and February 2022. This study included patients aged >17 years who were reinfected at least 90 days between two infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. The main outcome measure was a reduction in symptoms during reinfection, and reinfection interval. Results: Overall, 712 patients (average age: 40.52 ± 16.41 years; 312 males) were included. The reduction rate of symptoms at reinfection than that at first infection was significantly higher in the vaccinated group than in the unvaccinated group (p < 0.001). The average reinfection interval was 265.81 days. The interval between the first and second infection was 63.47 days longer in the vaccinated group than in the unvaccinated group. The interval was also 57.23 days, significantly longer in the asymptomatic group than in the symptomatic group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Besides its role in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection, vaccination reduces the rate of symptomatic reinfection and increases the reinfection interval; thus, it is necessary to be vaccinated even after a previous infection. The findings may inform the decision to avail COVID-19 vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Natural and/or Vaccine Immunity on the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2)

11 pages, 1050 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

No Significant Association between 25-OH Vitamin D Status and SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response after COVID-19 Vaccination in Nursing Home Residents and Staff

by Eline Meyers, Evelien De Smet, Hanne Vercruysse, Steven Callens, Elizaveta Padalko, Stefan Heytens, Linos Vandekerckhove, Piet Cools and Wojciech Witkowski

Vaccines 2023, 11(8), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11081343 - 08 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1340

Abstract

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for various physiological functions, including immunity. While it has been suggested that higher vitamin D levels/supplementation are associated with a better immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, conflicting data exist. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between [...] Read more.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for various physiological functions, including immunity. While it has been suggested that higher vitamin D levels/supplementation are associated with a better immune response to COVID-19 vaccination, conflicting data exist. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) deficiency/supplementation, and SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses post-vaccination in nursing home residents (NHRs) and staff (NHS). Blood samples were collected from 115 NHRs and 254 NHS at baseline and 14 days after primary course BNT162b2 vaccination. Baseline samples were assessed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, while follow-up samples were analyzed for spike protein S1 receptor-binding domain (S1RBD) IgG antibody concentrations and 50% pseudoneutralization titers. Vitamin D supplementation status was obtained from NHRs medical records. We compared immune responses between (severe) vitamin D-deficient and -sufficient NHRs/NHS and between supplemented and non-supplemented NHRs, stratified for history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and participant type. No significant differences in either binding or neutralizing COVID-19 vaccine antibody response were found between groups. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 45% (95% CI: 36–54%) among NHRs and 60% (95% CI: 54–66%) among NHS. Although we showed that vitamin D status may not be related to a better COVID-19 vaccine antibody response, addressing the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the nursing home population remains important. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Natural and/or Vaccine Immunity on the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2)

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10 pages, 1674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibody Titers and Protection against Omicron (BA.1 and BA.2) SARS-CoV-2 Infection

by Chloé Dimeglio, Marion Migueres, Naémie Bouzid, Sabine Chapuy-Regaud, Caroline Gernigon, Isabelle Da-Silva, Marion Porcheron, Guillaume Martin-Blondel, Fabrice Herin and Jacques Izopet

Vaccines 2022, 10(9), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10091548 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2057

Abstract

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern has greatly influenced the immune correlates of protection, and there are little data about the antibody threshold concentrations to protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 or BA.2. We analyzed the antibody responses of 259 [...] Read more.

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern has greatly influenced the immune correlates of protection, and there are little data about the antibody threshold concentrations to protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 or BA.2. We analyzed the antibody responses of 259 vaccinated healthcare workers, some of whom had been previously infected by SARS-CoV-2. The median follow-up was 179 days (IQR: 171–182) after blood collection. We detected 88 SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infections during the follow-up period, 55 (62.5%) with SARS-CoV-2 BA.1, and 33 (37.5%) with SARS-CoV-2 BA.2. A neutralizing antibody titer below 8 provided no protection against a BA.1 infection, a titer of 16 or 32 gave 73.2% protection, and a titer of 64 or 128 provided 78.4% protection. Conversely, the BA.2 infection rate did not vary as a function of anti-BA.2 neutralizing antibody titers. Binding antibody concentrations below 6000 BAU/mL provided no protection against Omicron BA.1 infection, 6000–20,000 BAU/mL provided 55.6% protection, and 20,000 or more provided 87.7% protection. There was no difference in BA.2 infection depending on the binding antibody concentration. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between antibody concentrations and infection with the Omicron BA.4/5 variants that are becoming predominant worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Natural and/or Vaccine Immunity on the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2)

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9 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Children Visiting a Tertiary Hospital during the Prevaccination Period, Southwest Region, Saudi Arabia

by Ali Alsuheel Asseri and Abdullah Alsabaani

Vaccines 2022, 10(8), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10081344 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1353

Abstract

Background: In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, tests to ascertain whether individuals were infected with SARS-CoV-2 were often unavailable. One method to deal with this issue is to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 [...] Read more.

Background: In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, tests to ascertain whether individuals were infected with SARS-CoV-2 were often unavailable. One method to deal with this issue is to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children in Saudi Arabia before vaccines were available to them. Methods: This study was conducted among children who visited the tertiary Maternity and Children Hospital in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. Serum samples were screened for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies using ELISA. The crude and adjusted seroprevalence values among the studied children were calculated. Results: Among the 413 children studied, the ages of enrolled patients ranged from newborn to 12 years, with a median age of three years. We identified 127 (30.7%) seropositive children. IgG was exclusively positive in 43 (10.4%); IgM was exclusively positive in 8 (1.9%), and IgA was exclusively positive in 15 (3.6%) children. Conclusions: This study is the first to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the pediatric population seeking medical care in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The findings shed light on the dynamics of virus transmission in the community and provide a good reference for future studies. Future research should examine factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and seroprevalence among pediatric populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Natural and/or Vaccine Immunity on the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

28 pages, 4437 KiB

Open AccessReview

mRNA-Based Vaccine for COVID-19: They Are New but Not Unknown!

by Vivek P. Chavda, Gargi Jogi, Srusti Dave, Bhoomika M. Patel, Lakshmi Vineela Nalla and Krishna Koradia

Vaccines 2023, 11(3), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11030507 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3724

Abstract

mRNA vaccines take advantage of the mechanism that our cells use to produce proteins. Our cells produce proteins based on the knowledge contained in our DNA; each gene encodes a unique protein. The genetic information is essential, but cells cannot use it until [...] Read more.

mRNA vaccines take advantage of the mechanism that our cells use to produce proteins. Our cells produce proteins based on the knowledge contained in our DNA; each gene encodes a unique protein. The genetic information is essential, but cells cannot use it until mRNA molecules convert it into instructions for producing specific proteins. mRNA vaccinations provide ready-to-use mRNA instructions for constructing a specific protein. BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) both are newly approved mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines that have shown excellent protection and efficacy. In total, there are five more mRNA-based vaccine candidates for COVID-19 under different phases of clinical development. This review is specifically focused on mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 covering its development, mechanism, and clinical aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Natural and/or Vaccine Immunity on the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

8 pages, 385 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Dysautonomia in Children with Post-Acute Sequelae of Coronavirus 2019 Disease and/or Vaccination

by Reiner Buchhorn

Vaccines 2022, 10(10), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10101686 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2606

Abstract

Long-term health problems such as fatigue, palpitations, syncope, and dizziness are well-known in patients after COVID-19 (post-acute sequelae of coronavirus (PASC)). More recently, comparable problems have been noticed after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (post-VAC). The pathophysiology of these problems is not well-understood. Methods: In [...] Read more.

Long-term health problems such as fatigue, palpitations, syncope, and dizziness are well-known in patients after COVID-19 (post-acute sequelae of coronavirus (PASC)). More recently, comparable problems have been noticed after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (post-VAC). The pathophysiology of these problems is not well-understood. Methods: In 38 children and young adults, we tested if these health problems were related to dysautonomia in an active standing test (Group 1: 19 patients after COVID-19; Group 2: 12 patients with a breakthrough infection despite a vaccination; and Group 3: 7 patients after a vaccination without COVID-19). The data were compared with a control group of 47 healthy age-matched patients, as recently published. Results: All patients had a normal left ventricular function as measured by echocardiography. Significantly elevated diastolic blood pressure in all patient groups indicated a regulatory cardiovascular problem. Compared with the healthy control group, the patient groups showed significantly elevated heart rates whilst lying and standing, with significantly higher heart rate increases. The stress index was significantly enhanced in all patient groups whilst lying and standing. Significantly decreased pNN20 values, mostly whilst standing, indicated a lower vagus activity in all patient groups. The respiratory rates were significantly elevated in Groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: The uniform increase in the heart rates and stress indices, together with low pNN20 values, indicated dysautonomia in children with health problems after COVID-19 disease and/or vaccination. A total of 8 patients fulfilled the criteria of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and 9 patients of an inappropriate sinus tachycardia, who were successfully treated with omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and pharmacotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Natural and/or Vaccine Immunity on the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2)

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3 pages, 473 KiB

Open AccessLetter

Correlation between Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total Antibodies and Spike Trimeric IgG after BNT162b2 Booster Immunization

by Gian Luca Salvagno and Giuseppe Lippi

Vaccines 2022, 10(6), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines10060890 - 02 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1322

Abstract

Objective: In this work we monitored both total and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies responses after BNT162b2 vaccine booster immunization in a cohort of ostensibly healthy healthcare workers. Methods: The study population consisted of 266 subjects (median age, 46 years and interquartile range (IQR), 35–52 [...] Read more.

Objective: In this work we monitored both total and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies responses after BNT162b2 vaccine booster immunization in a cohort of ostensibly healthy healthcare workers. Methods: The study population consisted of 266 subjects (median age, 46 years and interquartile range (IQR), 35–52 years; 168 females) undergoing homologous 30-µg BNT162b2 booster administration. Serum samples were collected immediately before the booster dose and 1 month after. Results: The concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike trimeric IgG increased by 31 (IQR, 16–53) and 22 (IQR, 11–43) folds, respectively, after receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine booster. A highly significant Spearman′s correlation was found between the relative increase (i.e., ratio of post-booster and pre-booster serum values) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike trimeric IgG (r = 0.86; p < 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that monitoring of post-BNT162b2 booster immunization for purposes of identifying “low responders” could be conducted almost interchangeably with either total or IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Natural and/or Vaccine Immunity on the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2)

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