Article
Virology
D. Scott Schmid, Congrong Miao, Jessica Leung, Michael Johnson, Adriana Weinberg, Myron J. Levin
Summary: The two HZ vaccines, RZV and ZVL, show different humoral responses, with RZV significantly boosting avidity to gE and neutralizing antibodies, providing longer-lasting immune memory.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Alemnew F. Dagnew, Nicola P. Klein, Caroline Herve, George Kalema, Emmanuel Di Paolo, James Peterson, Bruno Salaun, Anne Schuind
Summary: The study found that the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) induced strong humoral and polyfunctional cell-mediated immune responses in adults aged >= 65 years, regardless of prior vaccination with the live-attenuated herpes zoster vaccine (ZVL). The safety profile of RZV was not affected, and no confirmed herpes zoster cases were reported.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Lei Wang, Erik A. M. Verschuuren, Davy Paap, Christien Rondaan, Elisabeth Raveling-Eelsing, Siqi Liu, Johanna Westra, Nicolaas A. Bos
Summary: The average age of lung transplant recipients has increased significantly over time. Elderly recipients are more at risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ) and have poorer vaccination responses compared to younger individuals. The study focused on the relationship between immune responses to HZ vaccination and T and B cell subsets, particularly in elderly individuals.
Article
Immunology
Seong Yeon Park, Myron J. Levin, Jennifer Canniff, Michael Johnson, D. Scott Schmid, Adriana Weinberg
Summary: This study compared the antibody responses generated by Zoster Vaccine Live (ZVL) and Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (RZV). Younger vaccine recipients had higher levels of ADCC antibodies after vaccination, while older adults showed lower levels of ADCC antibodies.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eric F. Morand, Edward M. Vital, Michelle Petri, Ronald van Vollenhoven, Daniel J. Wallace, Marta Mosca, Richard A. Furie, Maria E. Silk, Christina L. Dickson, Gabriella Meszaros, Bochao Jia, Brenda Crowe, Inmaculada de la Torre, Thomas Doerner
Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in patients with active SLE. The results showed that baricitinib 4 mg significantly improved SLE disease activity compared with placebo, but key secondary endpoints were not met. The safety profile of baricitinib in patients with SLE was consistent with the known safety profile.
Article
Immunology
Ruth Harbecke, Jeffrey Cohen, Michael N. Oxman
Summary: Herpes zoster is a common virus that affects many people, and vaccines for preventing HZ and PHN are important for older adults. Clinical trials and real-world studies have shown that the vaccines are safe and effective in preventing these conditions.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Dhelya Widasmara, Fitri Firdausiya
Summary: The case study involves a 14-year-old girl with SLE and lupus nephritis who developed DHZ and received acyclovir treatment, showing clinical improvement.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Francesco Reggiani, Silvia Cardi, Fabio Tumminello, Marta Calatroni, Laura Locatelli, Maria Gerosa, Nicoletta Del Papa, Gabriella Moroni
Summary: This study evaluated the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of herpes zoster in lupus nephritis patients. The results showed that herpes zoster occurs unpredictably throughout the course of lupus nephritis, and its incidence seems to have increased in recent decades. Induction therapy with azathioprine and methylprednisolone pulses may provide protection, while higher cumulative doses of glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil increase susceptibility.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kazuhiro Matsumoto, Satoko Ohfuji, Kana Inohara, Masateru Akechi, Hiroko Kumashiro, Motoki Ishibashi, Shin Irie, Yoshio Hirota
Summary: The freeze-dried live attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine BIKEN is available in Japan for adults aged >= 50 years. A previous cohort study confirmed its safety, but evidence of vaccine effectiveness is limited.
Review
Virology
Yasmin Marra, Fawziah Lalji
Summary: Infection with varicella zoster virus can cause either chickenpox or shingles. Two vaccines are available to prevent shingles, with the recombinant vaccine showing higher efficacy than the live vaccine. Safety data from both vaccines indicate mostly local and mild systemic reactions.
Review
Virology
Ancuta Lupu, Ingrith Crenguta Miron, Cristina Gavrilovici, Anca Adam Raileanu, Iuliana Magdalena Starcea, Ileana Ioniuc, Alice Azoicai, Adriana Mocanu, Lacramioara Ionela Butnariu, Felicia Dragan, Vasile Valeriu Lupu
Summary: Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder with a highly variable course and prognosis. The use of immunosuppressive therapies and underlying comorbidities increase the risk of severe COVID-19 and poor outcomes in pediatric SLE patients. This review analyzes newly diagnosed cases of pediatric SLE following COVID-19 and examines the impact of COVID-19 on patients with existing pediatric SLE.
Article
Rheumatology
Alexis Mathian, Paul Breillat, Karim Dorgham, Paul Bastard, Caroline Charre, Raphael Lhote, Paul Quentric, Quentin Moyon, Alice-Andree Mariaggi, Suzanne Mouries-Martin, Clara Mellot, Francois Anna, Julien Haroche, Fleur Cohen-Aubart, Delphine Sterlin, Noel Zahr, Adrian Gervais, Tom Le Voyer, Lucy Bizien, Quentin Amiot, Micheline Pha, Miguel Hie, Francois Chasset, Hans Yssel, Makoto Miyara, Pierre Charneau, Pascale Ghillani-Dalbin, Jean-Laurent Casanova, Flore Rozenberg, Zahir Amoura, Guy Gorochov
Summary: This study finds that neutralizing and non-neutralizing autoantibodies against type-I interferons (IFNs-I) are present in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Neutralizing anti-IFN-alpha antibodies are associated with reduced IFN-alpha levels and a decreased likelihood of developing active disease, but they increase the risk of herpes zoster and severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Severe COVID-19 pneumonia in SLE patients is mainly associated with combined neutralization of different IFNs-I.
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jialing Lin, Timothy Dobbins, James G. Wood, Carla Bernardo, Nigel P. Stocks, Bette Liu
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness of herpes zoster vaccine in the Australian population aged 70-79 years old. The vaccine showed a higher effectiveness in the first year but declined in the second year. Age, sex, comorbid conditions, and prior GP visit frequency did not impact vaccine effectiveness.
Review
Immunology
Nathan B. Price, Charles Grose
Summary: Corticosteroids, especially in high dosages, may increase the risk of serious adverse events following live varicella and zoster vaccination. Studies have shown that patients receiving corticosteroids after vaccination are more prone to severe infectious complications, highlighting the importance of monitoring for such risks in clinical practice.
Review
Immunology
Jue Hou, Weijian Ye, Jianzhu Chen
Summary: Dengue is a common mosquito-borne disease caused by four closely related viruses. Developing a vaccine that can protect against all four virus strains without adverse effects is a challenge. Several tetravalent live attenuated vaccine candidates have entered clinical trials.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Xin Li, Hong Chen, Lu Lu, Lin-Lei Chen, Brian Pui-Chun Chan, Shuk-Ching Wong, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Kwok-Hung Chan, Kelvin Kai-Wang To
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
Chi Chiu Mok, Sau Mei Tse, Kar Li Chan, Ling Yin Ho
Summary: The fracture risk assessment tool underestimates the 10-year major clinical fracture risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment of osteoporosis in these patients should not solely rely on fracture risk estimation, but rather consider individualized decision-making based on relevant time-dependent risk factors.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ruiqi Zhang, Danlei Liu, Ka-Yi Leung, Yujing Fan, Lu Lu, Pui-Chun Chan, Kelvin Kai-Wang To, Honglin Chen, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Kwok-Hung Chan, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
Summary: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants may impact vaccine effectiveness, while heterologous vaccine strategy is believed to provide better protection. This study evaluated the immunogenicity of an mRNA-inactivated virus vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and variants. The results showed that the vaccine had good immunogenicity initially, but antibody response waned over time and a third dose of the vaccine was needed.
Article
Rheumatology
Chi Chiu Mok, Ling Yin Ho, Sau Mei Tse, Kar Li Chan, Chi Hung To
Summary: The prevalence of herpes zoster infection is high in patients with rheumatic diseases, with underlying systemic lupus erythematosus, older age, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and immunosuppressive therapies identified as independent risk factors.
CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Chi Chiu Mok, Yuen Kwan Chung, Carolyn Lee, Ling Yin Ho, Chi Hung To
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the 2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria and organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A total of 562 SLE patients were studied, and their EULAR/ACR criteria scores were compared with the SLE International Collaborating Clinic (SLICC) Organ Damage Index (SDI). The study found a correlation between certain domains of the EULAR/ACR criteria and organ damage in SLE patients.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chi Chiu Mok
Summary: Despite the uncertain pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, researchers are developing novel small molecules that target specific intracellular mechanisms of immune cells. These molecules offer advantages such as convenient administration, lower production costs, and lack of immunogenicity. The article discusses the importance of Janus kinases, Bruton's tyrosine kinases, spleen tyrosine kinases, immunoproteasomes, cereblon, and the sphingosine 1-phosphate/sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 pathway in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. These targeted molecules show potential in reversing pathophysiological processes and may contribute to the future of precision medicine.
Review
Immunology
Chi Chiu Mok
Summary: Combination therapy of different drugs may improve the efficacy of treatment for LN, but it also increases the risk of infections. There is still controversy regarding the timing and choice of drugs for combination therapy, partly due to cost-effectiveness.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Chi Chiu Mok, Ling Yin Ho, Kar Li Chan, Sau Mei Tse, Chi Hung To
Summary: The study found that serum PCSK9 levels are associated with disease activity and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Higher PCSK9 levels are associated with increased disease activity and risk of cardiovascular events.
Article
Rheumatology
Chi Chiu Mok, Chiu Sum Chu, Sau Mei Tse
Summary: The relationship between viral infection and autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus is uncertain. However, there have been cases of autoimmune manifestations occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting a viral trigger for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus in susceptible individuals.
Review
Rheumatology
Chi Chiu Mok, Y. K. Onno Teng, Ramesh Saxena, Yoshiya Tanaka
Summary: In systemic lupus erythematosus, kidney involvement known as lupus nephritis is a serious condition with limited treatment options. This review analyzes current management guidelines, discusses emerging therapies, and explores the potential for precision medicine in treating lupus nephritis. Despite advancements, the prognosis for lupus nephritis has not significantly improved, and there are variations in treatment recommendations due to inter-ethnic differences and lack of evidence. New treatments and investigational drugs, such as calcineurin inhibitors and biologic agents, offer hope for improved outcomes. Molecular profiling and urine proteomic panels may help personalize treatment in the future.
NATURE REVIEWS RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Chi Chiu Mok, Ho So, Cheuk Wan Yim, Chi Hung To, Weng Nga Lao, Stella Pui Yan Wong, Hoi Yan Ng, Jolly Man Yee Lee, Patrick Man Leung Lee, Shirley King Yee Ying, Moon Ho Leung, Carmen Tze Kwan Ho
Summary: This study aimed to compare the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), cancer, and infective complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using Janus kinase (JAKis) and TNF (TNFis) inhibitors. The results showed that in a real-life setting, there was no increase in MACEs or cancers in users of JAKis compared with TNFis. However, the incidence of non-serious infections, including herpes zoster, was increased in users of JAKis.
Article
Immunology
Ruiqi Zhang, Kwok-Hung Chan, Pui Wang, Runhong Zhou, Henry Kwong-Chi Yau, Creany Ka-Wai Wong, Meena Wai-Lam Au, Anthony Raymond Tam, Chi-Tao Ng, Matthew Kwok-Chung Lou, Na Liu, Haode Huang, Shaofeng Deng, Rachel Chun-Yee Tam, Ying Liu, Teng Long, Hoi-Wah Tsoi, Miko K. W. Ng, Jian-Piao Cai, Kelvin Kai-Wang To, Man-Fung Yuen, Zhiwei Chen, Honglin Chen, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
Summary: An intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, DelNS1-based RBD vaccines composed of H1N1 subtype (DelNS1-nCoV-RBD LAIV) was developed and tested for safety and immunogenicity in healthy adults. The study recruited 29 participants who were randomly assigned to receive the low or high dose vaccine or a placebo. The vaccine showed moderate mucosal immunogenicity and was well-tolerated, indicating the need for further clinical trials.
Article
Microbiology
Ulrich Wernery, Jade L. L. Teng, Yuanchao Ma, Joerg Kinne, Man-Lung Yeung, Safna Anas, Susanna K. P. Lau, Patrick C. Y. Woo
Summary: This study used next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect all possible viruses in five lung samples from five dromedaries with histopathological evidence of adult camel leukosis and four tissue samples from two control dromedaries. The results showed that no bovine leukemia virus (BLV) or its genetic variants or any other virus was detected in the nine tissue samples.
Article
Rheumatology
Chi Chiu Mok, Chris Ching Lam Cheung, Kar Li Chan, Sau Mei Tse, Chi Hung To
Summary: This study investigated the effect of SARS-CoV2 infection on flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and found that SLE patients infected with SARS-CoV2 had a significantly higher incidence of SLE flares within 90 days of infection compared to non-infected SLE patients.
Article
Rheumatology
Yuen Kwan Chung, Ling Yin Ho, Carolyn Lee, Chi Hung To, Chi Chiu Mok
Summary: The aim of this study was to validate the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positive Chinese patients. The results showed that both the EULAR/ACR and SLICC criteria had higher sensitivity but lower specificity than the ACR criteria. The specificity of all three criteria was enhanced by applying the attribution rule to controls.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASE
(2022)