scholarly journals One Year after Mild COVID-19: The Majority of Patients Maintain Specific Immunity, But One in Four Still Suffer from Long-Term Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3305
Author(s):  
Andreas Rank ◽  
Athanasia Tzortzini ◽  
Elisabeth Kling ◽  
Christoph Schmid ◽  
Rainer Claus ◽  
...  

After COVID-19, some patients develop long-term symptoms. Whether such symptoms correlate with immune responses, and how long immunity persists, is not yet clear. This study focused on mild COVID-19 and investigated correlations of immunity with persistent symptoms and immune longevity. Persistent complications, including headache, concentration difficulties and loss of smell/taste, were reported by 51 of 83 (61%) participants and decreased over time to 28% one year after COVID-19. Specific IgA and IgG antibodies were detectable in 78% and 66% of participants, respectively, at a 12-month follow-up. Median antibody levels decreased by approximately 50% within the first 6 months but remained stable up to 12 months. Neutralizing antibodies could be found in 50% of participants; specific INFgamma-producing T-cells were present in two thirds one year after COVID-19. Activation-induced marker assays identified specific T-helper cells and central memory T-cells in 80% of participants at a 12-month follow-up. In correlative analyses, older age and a longer duration of the acute phase of COVID-19 were associated with higher humoral and T-cell responses. A weak correlation between long-term loss of taste/smell and low IgA levels was found at early time points. These data indicate a long-lasting immunological memory against SARS-CoV-2 after mild COVID-19.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina E Racine-Brzostek ◽  
Jim Yee ◽  
Ashley Sukhu ◽  
Yuqing Qiu ◽  
Sophie Rand ◽  
...  

Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine antibody response under real-world conditions. This longitudinal study investigated the quantity and quality of SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in 846 specimens from 350 subjects: comparing BNT162b2-vaccinated individuals (19 previously diagnosed with COVID-19 [RecoVax]; 49 never been diagnosed [NaiveVax]) to 122 hospitalized unvaccinated (HospNoVax) and 160 outpatient unvaccinated (OutPtNoVax) COVID-19 patients. NaiveVax experienced a delay in generating SARS-CoV-2 total antibody levels (TAb) and neutralizing antibodies (SNAb) after the 1st vaccine dose (D1), but a rapid increase in antibody levels was observed after the 2nd dose (D2). However, these never reached the robust levels observed in RecoVax. In fact, NaiveVax TAb and SNAb levels decreased 4-weeks post-D2 (p=0.003;p<0.001). For the most part, RecoVax TAb persisted throughout this study, after reaching maximal levels 2-weeks post-D2; but SNAb decreased significantly ~6-months post-D1 (p=0.002). Although NaiveVax avidity lagged behind that of RecoVax for most of the follow-up periods, NaiveVax did reach similar avidity by ~6-months post-D1. These data suggest that one vaccine dose elicits maximal antibody response in RecoVax and may be sufficient. Also, despite decreasing levels in TAb and SNAb overtime, long-term avidity maybe a measure worth evaluating and possibly correlating to vaccine efficacy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Percy Knolle ◽  
Nina Körber ◽  
Alina Priller ◽  
Sarah Yazici ◽  
Tanja Bauer ◽  
...  

Abstract Infection with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is controlled by the host´s immune response1-4, but longitudinal follow-up studies of virus-specific immunity to evaluate protection from re-infection are lacking. Here, we report the results from a prospective study that started during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, where we identified 91 convalescents from mild SARS-CoV-2 infection among 4554 health care workers. We followed the dynamics and magnitude of spike-specific immunity in convalescents during the spontaneous course over ≥ 9 months, after SARS-CoV-2 re-exposure and after BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination. Virus-neutralizing antibodies and spike-specific T cell responses with predominance of IL-2-secreting polyfunctional CD4 T cells continuously declined over 9 months, but remained detectable at low levels. After a single vaccination, convalescents simultaneously mounted strong antibody and T cell responses against the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. In naïve individuals, a prime vaccination induced preferentially IL-2-secreting CD4 T cells that preceded production of spike-specific virus-neutralizing antibodies after boost vaccination. Response to vaccination, however, was not homogenous. Compared to four individuals among 455 naïve vaccinees (0.9%), we identified 5/82 (6.1%) convalescents with a delayed response to vaccination. These convalescents had originally developed dysfunctional spike-specific immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and required prime and boost vaccination to develop strong spike-specific immunity. Importantly, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in fall/winter of 2021 and prior to vaccination we detected a surge of virus-neutralizing antibodies consistent with re-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in 6 out of 82 convalescents. The selective increase in virus-neutralizing antibodies occurred without systemic re-activation of spike-specific T cell immunity, whereas a single BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination sufficed to induce strong spike-specific antibody and systemic T cell responses in the same individuals. These results support the notion that BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination synchronizes spike-specific immunity in all convalescents of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and may provide additional protection from re-infection by inducing more rigorous stimulation of spike-specific T cell immunity than re-exposure with SARS-CoV-2.


1998 ◽  
Vol 66 (8) ◽  
pp. 3968-3970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Huber ◽  
Emma Timms ◽  
Tak W. Mak ◽  
Martin Röllinghoff ◽  
Michael Lohoff

ABSTRACT The results of earlier investigations that tested whether CD8+ T cells are required in the defense againstLeishmania major have been inconsistent. We used CD8-deficient mice to directly address this issue. After primary infection with L. major, CD8-deficient mice controlled the infection for over 1 year and mounted strong T helper 1 cell responses. Thus, CD8+ T cells are not required for the long-term control of a primary infection with L. major.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 449-479
Author(s):  
Eduard Ansaldo ◽  
Taylor K. Farley ◽  
Yasmine Belkaid

The immune system has coevolved with extensive microbial communities living on barrier sites that are collectively known as the microbiota. It is increasingly clear that microbial antigens and metabolites engage in a constant dialogue with the immune system, leading to microbiota-specific immune responses that occur in the absence of inflammation. This form of homeostatic immunity encompasses many arms of immunity, including B cell responses, innate-like T cells, and conventional T helper and T regulatory responses. In this review we summarize known examples of innate-like T cell and adaptive immunity to the microbiota, focusing on fundamental aspects of commensal immune recognition across different barrier sites. Furthermore, we explore how this cross talk is established during development, emphasizing critical temporal windows that establish long-term immune function. Finally, we highlight how dysregulation of immunity to the microbiota can lead to inflammation and disease, and we pinpoint outstanding questions and controversies regarding immune system–microbiota interactions.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1164
Author(s):  
Claudia Rossi ◽  
Paola Lanuti ◽  
Ilaria Cicalini ◽  
Domenico De Bellis ◽  
Laura Pierdomenico ◽  
...  

The efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-based vaccines in preventing COVID-19 disease has been extensively demonstrated; however, it is of uttermost importance to acquire knowledge on the persistence of immune-protection both in terms of levels of neutralizing antibodies and specialized memory cells. This can provide important scientific basis for decisions on the need of additional vaccine doses and on when these should be administered thus resulting in an improvement in vaccination schedules. Here, we briefly report the changes in antibody levels and cellular immunity following BNT162b2 administration. We show an important fall in anti S1-Spike antibodies in BNT162b2 vaccinated subjects overtime, paralleled by a contextual consolidation of specific spike (S) T-cells, mainly of the CD8+ compartment. Contrariwise, CD4+ S-specific response shows a considerable interindividual variability. These data suggest that the well-known antibody drop in vaccinated subjects is replaced by memory cell consolidation that can protect from severe adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narong Nitatpattana ◽  
Khajornpong Nakgoi ◽  
Sanjira Juntarapornchai ◽  
Sasiporn Ruangdachsuwan ◽  
Supot Ratchakum ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. In Thailand, Japanese encephalitis appears with a higher incidence of the Northern region (0.0/100,000 cases/year) as compared to the central southern region of the country (0.01/100,000/year). Also, all Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) recently isolated strains in country belong to the genotype I and III.Methods. In order to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the newly developed live attenuated SA 14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine in Thailand, the immune response in children was studied after a second immunization campaign. Following 2012 immunization campaign, a second JEV immunization vaccine was delivered to children among four provinces of the Northern Region of Thailand. For each province, the recipients were identified accordingly to the two vaccine campaigns time including the children who received the second dose of vaccine: 1/ less than one year before the present study (N=30 by province); 2/ more than one year before the present study (N=70 by province). Altogether, a total of 400 children were enrolled in this project. After receiving the second vaccine dose, blood samples were collected and tested for JEV (Genotypes I and III) neutralizing antibodies following a standard procedure of LLC-MK2 infected cells.Results. All recipient presented neutralizing antibodies cross reacting against the prevalent JEV genotypes I (SM1 JEV strain) and genotype III (SA 14-14-2 and Beijing JEV strains). Most of the children from the first group had a seroconversion rate of 94.2% against homologous (i.e. GIII). Among them, an optimal rate of 100% seroconversion was find at the Phayao Province against both heterologous (GI) and homologous (GIII) JEV strains. Geometric Mean Titer (GMT) of neutralizing antibody against SM1, SA 14-14-2 JEV, and Beijing JEV strains were consistently high, respectively as 239±50, 323±201.2 and 177±36.7. For the second group, seroconversion rate was lower against SM1, SA 14-14-2 and Beijing JEV strains with a rate of 94.3, 90% and 86.8% with respectively a GMT of 154±32, 90±23 and 82±13.6.Conclusion. Although, the immunity appears to decrease within the period of 2.5 years, neutralizing antibody rate are consistent to protect against the JEV infection. Nevertheless, a long-term follow up is suitable to evaluate an eventual third dose opportunity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 234-236
Author(s):  
P Willems ◽  
J Hercun ◽  
C Vincent ◽  
F Alvarez

Abstract Background The natural history of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in children seems to differ from PSC in adults. However, studies on this matter have been limited by short follow-up periods and inconsistent classification of patients with autoimmune cholangitis (AIC) (or overlap syndrome). Consequently, it remains unclear if long-term outcomes are affected by the clinical phenotype. Aims The aims of this is study are to describe the long-term evolution of PSC and AIC in a pediatric cohort with extension of follow-up into adulthood and to evaluate the influence of phenotype on clinical outcomes. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients with AIC or PSC followed at CHU-Sainte-Justine, a pediatric referral center in Montreal. All charts between January 1998 and December 2019 were reviewed. Patients were classified as either AIC (duct disease on cholangiography with histological features of autoimmune hepatitis) or PSC (large or small duct disease on cholangiography and/or histology). Extension of follow-up after the age of 18 was done for patients followed at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. Clinical features at diagnosis, response to treatment at one year and liver-related outcomes were compared. Results 40 patients (27 PSC and 13 AIC) were followed for a median time of 71 months (range 2 to 347), with 52.5% followed into adulthood. 70% (28/40) had associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (78% PSC vs 54% AIC; p=0.15). A similar proportion of patients had biopsy-proven significant fibrosis at diagnosis (45% PSC vs 67% AIC; p=0.23). Baseline liver tests were similar in both groups. At diagnosis, all patients were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. Significantly more patients with AIC (77% AIC vs 30 % PSC; p=0.005) were initially treated with immunosuppressive drugs, without a significant difference in the use of Anti-TNF agents (0% AIC vs 15% PSC; p= 0.12). At one year, 55% (15/27) of patients in the PSC group had normal liver tests versus only 15% (2/13) in the AIC group (p=0.02). During follow-up, more liver-related events (cholangitis, liver transplant and cirrhosis) were reported in the AIC group (HR=3.7 (95% CI: 1.4–10), p=0.01). Abnormal liver tests at one year were a strong predictor of liver-related events during follow-up (HR=8.9(95% CI: 1.2–67.4), p=0.03), while having IBD was not (HR=0.48 (95% CI: 0.15–1.5), p=0.22). 5 patients required liver transplantation with no difference between both groups (8% CAI vs 15% CSP; p=0.53). Conclusions Pediatric patients with AIC and PSC show, at onset, similar stage of liver disease with comparable clinical and biochemical characteristics. However, patients with AIC receive more often immunosuppressive therapy and treatment response is less frequent. AIC is associated with more liver-related events and abnormal liver tests at one year are predictor of bad outcomes. Funding Agencies None


Author(s):  
Shinwan Kany ◽  
Johannes Brachmann ◽  
Thorsten Lewalter ◽  
Ibrahim Akin ◽  
Horst Sievert ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Non-paroxysmal (NPAF) forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk for systemic embolism or death. Methods Comparison of procedural details and long-term outcomes in patients (pts) with paroxysmal AF (PAF) against controls with NPAF in the prospective, multicentre observational registry of patients undergoing LAAC (LAARGE). Results A total of 638 pts (PAF 274 pts, NPAF 364 pts) were enrolled. In both groups, a history of PVI was rare (4.0% vs 1.6%, p = 0.066). The total CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in the PAF group (4.4 ± 1.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.033), while HAS-BLED score (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.40) was comparable. The rate of successful implantation was equally high (97.4% vs 97.8%, p = 0.77). In the three-month echo follow-up, LA thrombi (2.1% vs 7.3%, p = 0.12) and peridevice leak > 5 mm (0.0% vs 7.1%, p = 0.53) were numerically higher in the NPAF group. Overall, in-hospital complications occurred in 15.0% of the PAF cohort and 10.7% of the NPAF cohort (p = 0.12). In the one-year follow-up, unadjusted mortality (8.4% vs 14.0%, p = 0.039) and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism (8.8% vs 15.1%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the NPAF cohort. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc and previous bleeding, NPAF was associated with increased death/stroke/systemic embolism (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.02–2.72, p = 0.041). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation type did not impair periprocedural safety or in-hospital MACE patients undergoing LAAC. However, after one year, NPAF was associated with higher mortality. Graphic abstract


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1227.2-1227
Author(s):  
E. Berard ◽  
T. Barnetche ◽  
L. Rouxel ◽  
C. Dutriaux ◽  
L. Dousset ◽  
...  

Background:Description and initial management of rheumatic immune-related adverse-events (irAEs) from cancer immunotherapies have been reported by several groups but to date, few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes and management of rheumatic irAEs (1).Objectives:To describe the long-term management and assess the one-year outcomes of patients who experienced rheumatic immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).Methods:This was a single-centre prospective observational study including patients referred for musculoskeletal symptoms while treated with ICI. After baseline rheumatological evaluation defining the clinical entity presented, follow-up visits were organised according to the type and severity of irAE. At one year, persistence of irAE, ongoing treatment, as well as cancer outcomes were assessed.Results:63 patients were included between September 2015 and June 2018. 24 patients (38%) presented with non-inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions managed with short-term symptomatic treatment and did not require specific follow-up. 39 patients (62%) experienced inflammatory manifestations, mimicking either rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n=19), polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR, n=16), psoriatic arthritis (PsA, n=3) and one flare of a preexisting axial spondyloarthritis. Overall, 32 patients (82%) received systemic glucocorticoids, with a median rheumatic dosage of 15mg/day (range: 5-60mg/day). None of the patients had to permanently discontinue ICI therapy for rheumatic irAE. 20 patients (67%) were still receiving glucocorticoids at one year, with a median dosage of 5mg/day (range: 2-20mg/day). Glucocorticoids were more frequently discontinued for patients with RA-like condition (44%) than PMR-like condition (23%), but no other predictive factor of glucocorticoids withdrawal could be identified. At one year, overall survival and progression-free survival were comparable between patients who were still receiving glucocorticoids for rheumatic irAE and patients who have discontinued. Eight patients required csDMARDs.Conclusion:At one year, a majority of patients required long-term low-dose glucocorticoids for chronic rheumatic irAE, which seems not altering oncological control.References:[1]Braaten TJ, Brahmer JR, Forde PM, et al. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory arthritis persists after immunotherapy cessation. Ann Rheum Dis. 2019 Sep 20.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


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