Article
Oncology
K. L. Juliette Schmidt, Noel M. M. Dautzenberg, Peter M. Hoogerbrugge, Caroline A. Lindemans, Stefan Nierkens, Gaby Smits, Rob S. Van Binnendijk, Louis J. Bont, Wim J. E. Tissing
Summary: This study examines the antibody and T-cell response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in children with cancer. The findings show that good antibody response ranges from 39.3% to 94.4% and good T-cell response ranges from 73.7% to 100% in vaccinated participants. A 3-dose vaccination series effectively boosts antibody levels and is valuable for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Article
Immunology
Simona Arientova, Katerina Matuskova, Oldrich Bartos, Michal Holub, Ondrej Beran
Summary: This study examined the dynamics and duration of immune responses after a three-dose regimen of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. The results showed that the vaccine induced potent and enduring humoral and cellular immune responses, with enhanced protection after the third dose that remained stable up to a year later.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Paulina Kaplonek, Deniz Cizmeci, Stephanie Fischinger, Ai-Ris Collier, Todd Suscovich, Caitlyn Linde, Thomas Broge, Colin Mann, Fatima Amanat, Diana Dayal, Justin Rhee, Michael de St Aubin, Eric J. Nilles, Elon R. Musk, Anil S. Menon, Erica Ollmann Saphire, Florian Krammer, Douglas A. Lauffenburger, Dan H. Barouch, Galit Alter
Summary: The successful development of COVID-19 vaccines has led to reduced morbidity and mortality. However, the emergence of viral variants has affected the efficacy of the vaccines, showing differences between two approved mRNA platforms, BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273. Understanding the differences in immune responses induced by these vaccines is important for determining their protective immunity.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mark G. Thompson, Jefferey L. Burgess, Allison L. Naleway, Harmony Tyner, Sarang K. Yoon, Jennifer Meece, Lauren E. W. Olsho, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, Ashley L. Fowlkes, Karen Lutrick, Holly C. Groom, Kayan Dunnigan, Marilyn J. Odean, Kurt Hegmann, Elisha Stefanski, Laura J. Edwards, Natasha Schaefer-Solle, Lauren Grant, Katherine Ellingson, Jennifer L. Kuntz, Tnelda Zunie, Matthew S. Thiese, Lynn Ivacic, Meredith G. Wesley, Julie Mayo Lamberte, Xiaoxiao Sun, Michael E. Smith, Andrew L. Phillips, Kimberly D. Groover, Young M. Yoo, Joseph Gerald, Rachel T. Brown, Meghan K. Herring, Gregory Joseph, Shawn Beitel, Tyler C. Morrill, Josephine Mak, Patrick Rivers, Brandon P. Poe, Brian Lynch, Yingtao Zhou, Jing Zhang, Anna Kelleher, Yan Li, Monica Dickerson, Erika Hanson, Kyley Guenther, Suxiang Tong, Allen Bateman, Erik Reisdorf, John Barnes, Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, Danielle R. Hunt, Melissa L. Arvay, Preeta Kutty, Alicia M. Fry, Manjusha Gaglani
Summary: The study demonstrated that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in real-world conditions, while also attenuating the viral RNA load, febrile symptoms, and illness duration among vaccinated individuals who had breakthrough infections.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria Guarino, Ilaria Esposito, Giuseppe Portella, Valentina Cossiga, Ilaria Loperto, Raffaella Tortora, Michele Cennamo, Mario Capasso, Daniela Terracciano, Alfonso Galeota Lanza, Sarah Di Somma, Francesco Paolo Picciotto, Filomena Morisco
Summary: This study evaluated the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in LT recipients and identified factors associated with non-response to the vaccine. It found that older age, shorter time from transplantation, and immunosuppression with antimetabolites were associated with a negative response to vaccination in LT recipients.
CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Roberto Lozano-Rodriguez, Jose Avendano-Ortiz, Veronica Terron, Karla Montalban-Hernandez, Jose Casalvilla-Duenas, Marta Bergon-Gutierrez, Pablo Mata-Martinez, Alejandro Martin-Quiros, Miguel Angel Garcia-Garrido, Alvaro del Balzo-Castillo, Maria Peinado, Laura Gomez, Irene Llorente-Fernandez, Gema Martin-Miguel, Carmen Herrero-Benito, Lissette Lopez-Morejon, Carmen Vela-Olmo, Carolina Cubillos-Zapata, Eduardo Lopez-Collazo, Carlos del Fresno
Summary: This study conducted a long-term observation of immune responses after COVID-19 vaccination and found that a third dose can enhance the body's immunity against the virus. The humoral response decreased after 6 months, while the cellular immune response was more stable. Additionally, the newly emerged Omicron BA.1 variant had a detrimental impact on immune responses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Oleguer Pares-Badell, Ricardo Zules-Ona, Lluis Armadans, Laia Pinos, Blanca Borras-Bermejo, Susana Otero, Jose angel Rodrigo-Pendas, Marti Vivet-Escale, Yolima Cossio-Gil, Antonia Agusti, Cristina Aguilera, Magda Campins, Xavier Martinez-Gomez
Summary: This study aimed to assess the adverse reactions after the administration of a COVID-19 mRNA-1273 booster in healthcare workers. The study compared the type of mRNA vaccine used as the primary series and the use of homologous versus heterologous boosters. The study found that the reactogenicity of the mRNA-1273 booster was similar to the mRNA-1273 primary doses and higher than the BNT162b2 primary doses. There were no significant differences in local or systemic reactions between receiving a heterologous booster or a homologous booster.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Einav G. Levin, Yaniv Lustig, Carmit Cohen, Ronen Fluss, Victoria Indenbaum, Sharon Amit, Ram Doolman, Keren Asraf, Ella Mendelson, Arnona Ziv, Carmit Rubin, Laurence Freedman, Yitshak Kreiss, Gili Regev-Yochay
Summary: A study in Israel revealed that waning immunity after receiving two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine led to an increase in the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Levels of spike-binding IgG and neutralizing antibodies decreased more significantly in men, individuals aged 65 or older, and immunosuppressed individuals in a longitudinal study involving nearly 4000 healthcare workers.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Carolynn M. Dude, Naima T. Joseph, Alexandra D. Forrest, Hans P. Verkerke, Narayanaiah Cheedarla, Sakthivel Govindaraj, Les'Shon S. Irby, Kirk A. Easley, Alicia K. Smith, Sean R. Stowell, Andrew Neish, Rama Rao Amara, Denise J. Jamieson, Anne L. Dunlop, Martina L. Badell, Vijayakumar Velu
Summary: This study explored the immune response following COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women. The results showed that vaccinated pregnant women had higher levels of antibodies and transfer ratios compared to those who were naturally infected. However, antibody levels declined as time from vaccination to delivery increased.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Claudia Rossi, Paola Lanuti, Ilaria Cicalini, Domenico De Bellis, Laura Pierdomenico, Piero Del Boccio, Mirco Zucchelli, Luca Natale, Bruna Sinjari, Giulia Catitti, Simone Vespa, Pasquale Simeone, Giuseppina Bologna, Ines Bucci, Katia Falasca, Jacopo Vecchiet, Liborio Stuppia, Vincenzo De Laurenzi, Damiana Pieragostino
Summary: Research has shown a decrease in anti-S1 antibodies and an increase in specific spike (S) T-cells, mainly from the CD8+ compartment, in individuals vaccinated with BNT162b2. There is significant variability in the CD4+ S-specific response among vaccinated individuals. These findings suggest a shift from antibody response to memory cell consolidation in protecting against severe effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richard Vollenberg, Phil-Robin Tepasse, Joachim Ewald Kuehn, Marc Hennies, Markus Strauss, Florian Rennebaum, Tina Schomacher, Goeran Boeckel, Eva Lorentzen, Arne Bokemeyer, Tobias Max Nowacki
Summary: This study investigated the humoral response in immunosuppressed IBD patients after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and found lower antibody levels and neutralizing capacity in these patients 3 and 6 months after the second vaccination. Patients treated with anti-TNF agents may require early booster shots.
Article
Immunology
Vivek Naranbhai, Wilfredo F. Garcia-Beltran, Christina C. Chang, Cristhian Berrios Mairena, Julia C. Thierauf, Grace Kirkpatrick, Maristela L. Onozato, Ju Cheng, Kerri J. St Denis, Evan C. Lam, Clarety Kaseke, Rhoda Tano-Menka, Diane Yang, Maia Pavlovic, Wendy Yang, Alexander Kui, Tyler E. Miller, Michael G. Astudillo, Jennifer E. Cahill, Anand S. Dighe, David J. Gregory, Mark C. Poznansky, Gaurav D. Gaiha, Alejandro B. Balazs, A. John Iafrate
Summary: Understanding the immunogenicity and effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is crucial. This study compared the immunogenicity and effectiveness of mRNA-1273, BNT-162b2, and Ad26.COV2.S in healthy adults. The results showed that mRNA vaccines and convalescent individuals had comparable antibody and neutralization titers, while Ad26.COV2.S had lower antibody concentrations. mRNA1273 and BNT162b2 induced higher T-cell responses. Prior infection was associated with high antibody concentrations and neutralization even after a single dose. Meta-analysis showed differences in effectiveness against infection, hospitalization, and death, with mRNA1273 being the most effective.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Brent Appelman, Karlijn van der Straten, A. H. Ayesha Lavell, Michiel Schinkel, Marleen A. Slim, Meliawati Poniman, Judith A. Burger, Melissa Oomen, Khadija Tejjani, Alexander P. J. Vlaar, W. Joost Wiersinga, Yvo M. Smulders, Lonneke A. van Vught, Rogier W. Sanders, Marit J. van Gils, Marije K. Bomers, Jonne J. Sikkens
Summary: The study showed that individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the past had higher antibody levels and neutralising capacity after vaccination compared to those who were not previously infected. However, the second vaccine dose did not significantly enhance the immune response in previously infected individuals.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Gian Luca Salvagno, Brandon M. Henry, Giovanni di Piazza, Laura Pighi, Simone De Nitto, Damiano Bragantini, Gian Luca Gianfilippi, Giuseppe Lippi
Summary: This study found significant differences in post-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine immune response between baseline seronegative and seropositive subjects, with the latter's immune response appearing to depend on age and sex, while the former's immune response appears to be dependent on baseline anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies levels.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Stavroula A. Paschou, Vangelis Karalis, Theodora Psaltopoulou, Vasiliki Vasileiou, Ioanna Charitaki, Tina Bagratuni, Vassiliki Ktena, Fotini Papandroulaki, Sentiljana Gumeni, Georgia N. Kassi, Ioannis P. Trougakos, Evangelos Terpos, Meletios A. Dimopoulos
Summary: This study compared the immune response and thyroid function changes after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and healthy subjects. The results showed no significant differences in neutralizing antibodies kinetics between the patient group and the healthy group, but vaccination may affect thyroid function.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Rheumatology
Robert Daniel Heinrich Markewitz, Klaus-Peter Wandinger
ANNALS OF THE RHEUMATIC DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
J. M. Jabs, A. Schwabe, A. D. Wollkopf, B. Gebel, J. Stadelmaier, S. Erdmann, F. Radicke, H. Grundmann, A. Kramer, I Monsef, G. Ruecker, J. Rupp, S. Scheithauer, C. Schmucker, A. Simon, Nico T. Mutters
Summary: Routine screening of asymptomatic healthcare workers can help interrupt chains of infection through early detection, but the heterogeneous proportions may be explained by regional differences and pre-analytical pitfalls.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexander Balck, Bandik Foeh, Max Borsche, Johann Rahmoeller, Eva-Juliane Vollstedt, Frederike Waldeck, Nadja Kaeding, Christoph Twesten, Alexander Mischnik, Gabriele Gillessen-Kaesbach, Marc Ehlers, Christian Sina, Stefan Taube, Hauke Busch, Jan Rupp, Alexander Katalinic, Christine Klein
Summary: Considering the spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, low vaccination rates, and the risk of post-COVID syndrome, targeted intervention measures are urgently needed. The ELISA-Study is a longitudinal surveillance study that aims to study immunity, post-COVID-19 symptoms, and related risk factors through PCR testing, antibody measurements, and questionnaires. This study enables continuous monitoring of the pandemic and identification of potential long-term effects.
Article
Dermatology
Jasper N. Pruessmann, Ewan A. Langan, Jan Rupp, Jens Marquardt, Patrick Terheyden, Detlef Zillikens, Ralf J. Ludwig, Katharina Boch
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the number of newly-discovered positive serological hepatitis B virus (HBV) test results in patients with autoimmune skin diseases after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment. The results showed that there were new positive serological HBV test results after IVIg treatment, which may be due to passive antibody transfer. It is recommended to screen for hepatitis B before IVIg therapy to prevent diagnostic confusion caused by passive antibody transfer.
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Benedikt Fels, Sovon Acharya, Carl Vahldieck, Tobias Graf, Nadja Kaeding, Jan Rupp, Kristina Kusche-Vihrog
Summary: Proinflammatory cytokines target the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) in vascular endothelial cells during COVID-19 infections, leading to endothelial dysfunction. Low doses of spironolactone can prevent the worsening of eGC, suggesting potential therapeutic options.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Swapnil Prakash Doijad, Nicolas Gisch, Renate Frantz, Bajarang Vasant Kumbhar, Jane Falgenhauer, Can Imirzalioglu, Linda Falgenhauer, Alexander Mischnik, Jan Rupp, Michael Behnke, Michael Buhl, Simone Eisenbeis, Petra Gastmeier, Hanna Goelz, Georg Alexander Haecker, Nadja Kaeding, Winfried Kern, Axel Kola, Evelyn Kramme, Silke Peter, Anna M. Rohde, Harald Seifert, Evelina Tacconelli, Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild, Sarah Walker, Janine Zweigner, Dominik Schwudke, Trinad Chakraborty
Summary: A three-year study in Germany and a global analysis of isolates identified Enterobacter xiangfangensis as the most common species (65.5%) within the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC). The study revealed widespread resistance to colistin, with the mobile colistin resistance (mcr)-9 gene detected in 19.2% of all isolates. The resistance and heteroresistance properties were found to be dependent on the arnBCADTEF gene cassette, whose products catalyze transfer of L-Ara4N to lipid A.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ha-Yeun Chung, Jonathan Wickel, Marcus Oswald, Justina Dargvainiene, Jan Rupp, Gernot Rohde, Martin Witzenrath, Frank Leypoldt, Rainer Konig, Mathias W. Pletz, Christian Geis
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine whether sNfL levels are increased in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and if increased sNfL levels are associated with disease-associated confusion or disease severity. The study found that sNfL concentrations are specifically associated with confusion and not with pneumonia disease severity, thus reflecting a potential objective marker for encephalopathy in these patients.
ANNALS OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Philipp Mathe, Siri Goepel, Daniel Hornuss, David Tobys, Nadja Kaeding, Simone Eisenbeis, Britta Kohlmorgen, Janina Trauth, Hanna Goelz, Sarah V. Walker, Alexander Mischnik, Silke Peter, Florian Hoelzl, Anna M. Rohde, Michael Behnke, Moritz Fritzenwanker, Georg Haecker, Benedict Steffens, Maria Vehreschild, Evelyn Kramme, Jane Falgenhauer, Gabriele Peyerl-Hoffmann, Harald Seifert, Jan Rupp, Petra Gastmeier, Can Imirzalioglu, Evelina Tacconelli, Winfried Kern, Siegbert Rieg
Summary: This study aims to describe the temporal trends, epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SAB). The findings showed an increasing number of SAB cases, an increase in community-acquired SAB, and a decrease in methicillin-resistant SAB. There was also an increase in risk factors for complicated/difficult-to-treat SAB and a higher level of comorbidities. The rate of deep-seated foci such as osteomyelitis or deep-seated abscesses significantly increased. In-hospital mortality decreased in patients with infectious diseases consultations.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
S. Graspeuntner, M. Lupatsii, L. Dashdorj, A. Rody, J. Rupp, V. Bossung, C. Haertel
Summary: The human gut microbiome is important for health and disease. Stool samples are commonly used for studying the gut microbiome, but alternative sampling approaches are needed due to difficulties in acquisition, transportation, and patient discomfort. This study compared rectal swabs and meconium paired samples collected from infants on the first days of life. The results indicate that rectal swabs are not a reliable proxy compared to stool samples for gut microbiome analysis in newborns.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriela Rios Martini, Ekaterina Tikhonova, Elisa Rosati, Meghan Bialt Decelie, Laura Katharina Sievers, Florian Tran, Matthias Lessing, Arne Bergfeld, Sophia Hinz, Susanna Nikolaus, Julia Kuempers, Anna Matysiak, Philipp Hofmann, Carina Saggau, Stephan Schneiders, Ann-Kristin Kamps, Gunnar Jacobs, Wolfgang Lieb, Jochen Maul, Britta Siegmund, Barbara Seegers, Holger Hinrichsen, Hans-Heinrich Oberg, Daniela Wesch, Stefan Bereswill, Markus M. Heimesaat, Jan Rupp, Olaf Kniemeyer, Axel A. Brakhage, Sascha Brunke, Bernhard Hube, Konrad Aden, Andre Franke, Iliyan D. Iliev, Alexander Scheffold, Stefan Schreiber, Petra Bacher
Summary: Aberrant CD4(+) T cell reactivity against intestinal microorganisms is thought to drive mucosal inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases. This study identifies yeasts as direct activators of altered CD4(+) T cell reactions in patients with Crohn's disease, revealing their potential role in chronic activation of inflammatory immune responses.
Article
Microbiology
Jerome Genth, Kathrin Schaefer, Liam Cassidy, Simon Graspeuntner, Jan Rupp, Andreas Tholey
Summary: Short open reading frames (sORFs) can encode small proteins called sORF-encoded peptides (SEP) that play important roles in various physiological processes. Using proteomics techniques, researchers identified 45 novel and previously reported SEPs in single cultures of Blautia producta under different growth conditions and stress exposure. The results suggest that the biosynthesis of specific SEPs is not limited to bacterial interactions within the microbiome but is influenced by growth and environmental conditions during cultivation.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hanna Marti, Michael Biggel, Kensuke Shima, Delia Onorini, Jan Rupp, Steve J. Charette, Nicole Borel
Summary: Chlamydia, a genus of bacteria, has obligate intracellular lifestyle which limits genetic exchange. The only known example of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between different phyla in Chlamydia is the tetracycline resistance found in Chlamydia suis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Respiratory System
Mathias W. Pletz, Andreas Vestergaard Jensen, Christina Bahrs, Claudia Davenport, Jan Rupp, Martin Witzenrath, Grit Barten-Neiner, Martin Kolditz, Sabine Dettmer, James D. Chalmers, Daiana Stolz, Norbert Suttorp, Stefano Aliberti, Wolfgang M. Kuebler, Gernot Rohde
Summary: Despite advances in CAP research, there are still many unmet needs. CAPNETZ identified eleven topics for future CAP research, including detection of causative pathogens, next generation sequencing for antimicrobial treatment guidance, imaging diagnostics, biomarkers, risk stratification, antiviral and antibiotic treatment, adjunctive therapy, vaccines and prevention, systemic and local immune response, comorbidities, and long-term cardio-vascular complications.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2022)