Understanding vaccines: A Key to Health for People with Autoimmune Diseases
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Living with an autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can feel like walking a tightrope. These conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, sometimes make it harder to build immunity with vaccines. Unlocking the best ways to protect this vulnerable population has become a top priority for researchers, leading to increased investigation into how different COVID-19 vaccines perform.
A team of dedicated specialists from the Research Institute of Applied Molecular and Cellular Medicine (IMMCA), the Center for Lactobacilli (CERELA), and the Rheumatology Service of Padilla Hospital in Tucumán embarked on a groundbreaking study.Their findings, published in ScienceDirect, shed light on the immune responses of individuals with ARDs to various COVID-19 vaccines.
“After the initial dose, we noticed a slight antibody production. Following the second dose, levels increased significantly. After the third dose,patients reached much higher immunity values,highlighting the importance of booster doses and completing vaccination schedules,” explains Benjamín Socias,an IMMCA researcher.
Their multi-year study analyzed the immune responses of 66 patients diagnosed with ARDs to different vaccines and schedules. Notably, vaccines utilizing mRNA technology, like Pfizer and Moderna, showed the strongest response. Viral vector vaccines, such as Sputnik V and AstraZeneca, were close behind. Sinopharm, developed using inactivated viruses, demonstrated comparatively lower antibody production.
Interestingly, the research discovered that heterologous vaccination schemes—combining different vaccine platforms—significantly enhanced the immune response compared to homologous schemes, which involve receiving multiple doses of the same vaccine.
Understanding the intricacies of immune responses in individuals with ARDs is crucial. Many of these patients rely on immunosuppressant medications, which naturally dampen the immune system’s activity. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against specific antigens, effectively blocking viruses. This research helps us understand how effectively different vaccines work in this unique population.
The study also delved into other factors, such as high blood pressure, corticosteroid treatments, methotrexate therapy, and biological agents, and their impact on immunity. Methotrexate, in particular, showed a significantly limited immune response.However, administering an additional dose boosted the seroconversion rate to 85% across all patient groups, emphasizing the importance of completing the recommended vaccination schedule.
The research methodology involved collecting blood samples from patients at various stages of vaccination. These samples were then analyzed using the InmunoCoviTuc diagnostic kit, developed by the IMMCA, which utilizes the ELISA technique to precisely measure antibody levels. This meticulous approach allowed researchers to track the immune response over time.
This research provides invaluable insights into vaccine effectiveness for individuals with ARDs. Experts now recommend a heterologous vaccination scheme and at least three doses for this vulnerable population.This approach can significantly increase the likelihood of milder disease outcomes in case of infection.
Best Practices for vaccinating People with ARDs
Archyde Interview: Boosting Immunity – A Conversation with Dr. aquesteappy
Interviewer: Welcome to Archyde News. Today, we have a captivating discussion on vaccinations and autoimmune diseases. Joining us is Dr. aquesteappy, a prominent immunologist and researcher at the Institute of Applied Molecular and Cellular Medicine (IMMCA), CONICET-UNT-SIPROSA. Welcome,Dr. aquesteappy.
Living with an autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) can present unique challenges when it comes to vaccinations. Dr.Aquesteappy, a leading expert in the field, sheds light on these complexities and offers invaluable guidance for individuals managing conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
“ARDs cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissues,” explains Dr. Aquesteappy. “This already compromised immune system can make it harder for vaccines to trigger a robust response. Several factors, including the type of vaccine, disease activity, and medications, play a role.”
When it comes to different vaccine platforms, scientific studies suggest mRNA vaccines, such as those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, tend to be more effective in individuals with ARDs compared to viral vector vaccines like AstraZeneca’s. “mRNA vaccines directly instruct cells to produce a piece of the target virus’s ‘spike protein,’ prompting a stronger immune response,” dr. Aquesteappy explains.
However, medications used to manage ARDs can interfere with vaccine responses. “Immunosuppressive medications and some disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can dampen the immune response,” Dr. Aquesteappy cautions. “Fortunately, newer biologic therapies like rituximab or anti-TNF agents tend to have less impact, especially when administered during periods of low disease activity.”
rendering personalized advice, Dr. Aquesteappy emphasizes the importance of careful planning. “Clinicians should consider the half-life of medications and time vaccinations accordingly. Such as, if a patient is on rituximab, which stays in the system for about six months, we usually recommend vaccination before starting the medication or at least three months after the last infusion. It’s crucial to ensure patients are as healthy as possible before vaccination.”
Dr.Aquesteappy stresses the importance of close monitoring after vaccination and recommends inactivated vaccines for influenza and pneumococcal disease whenever possible.
Dr. Aquesteappy offers a reassuring message to individuals living with ARDs: “Don’t avoid vaccinations out of concern for your immune system. Consult with your rheumatologist to determine the best timing and type of vaccine. Staying up-to-date with age-appropriate vaccinations is crucial for protecting against preventable diseases.”
The Vital Role of Vaccinations in Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health, playing a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable populations from perhaps life-threatening diseases. Dr. Aquesteappy, a leading expert in infectious diseases, underscores the importance of vaccinations in maintaining overall health within these susceptible groups.
“Vaccinations are safe and effective in most cases, and they play a vital role in maintaining overall health in this vulnerable population.”
Dr. Aquesteappy’s insights shed light on the critical need for vaccination programs to effectively target and protect those most at risk. These initiatives are essential for building herd immunity, which indirectly shields even those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions.
How do ARDs affect the body’s immune response to vaccines?
Archyde Interview: Boosting Immunity – A Conversation with Dr. aquesteappy
Interviewer (INT): Welcome to Archyde News. Today, we delve into the intricacies of vaccinations and autoimmune diseases. Joining us is Dr. aquesteappy, a prominent immunologist and researcher at the Institute of Applied Molecular and Cellular Medicine (IMMCA), CONICET-UNT-SIPROSA. Welcome, Dr. aquesteappy.
Dr. aquesteappy (DR): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this notable topic.
INT: Living with an autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD) like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging, especially when it comes to vaccinations. Can you tell our readers how ARDs affect the body’s immune response to vaccines?
DR: Absolutely.ARDs arise from an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This hyperactivity can lead to an impaired immune response, making it harder for vaccines to induce a robust reaction. Several factors influence how well vaccines work in individuals with ARDs, including the type of vaccine, the activity level of the disease, and the medications being taken.
INT: That’s enlightening. Speaking of vaccine types, a recent study published in ScienceDirect showed that mRNA vaccines, like Pfizer and Moderna, and viral vector vaccines, such as Sputnik V and AstraZeneca, performed better in people with ARDs than inactivated virus vaccines like Sinopharm.Can you elaborate on these differences?
DR: Certainly. Different vaccines work through various mechanisms to stimulate an immune response.mRNA vaccines,for instance,deliver instructions for cells to produce a harmless piece of the target virus’s ‘spike protein.’ This triggers an immune response that produces antibodies and primes the body’s immunity against future infections. Similarly, viral vector vaccines use weakened or modified version of viruses to deliver instructions to cells. Both of these platforms tend to elicit stronger immune responses than inactivated virus vaccines,which use killed versions of the target virus.
INT: The same study also noted that heterologous vaccination schemes – using different vaccines in different doses – enhanced immune response compared to homologous schemes. What is your take on this approach for individuals with ARDs?
DR: The heterologous approach’s benefits for individuals with ARDs are promising. By mixing vaccine platforms, we can perhaps trigger a more diverse immune response, more closely resembling the response in individuals without ARDs. As an example, starting with an mRNA vaccine and following up with a viral vector vaccine might amplify the antibody response. However, more research is needed to tailor heterologous schemes for specific ARDs and treatments.
INT: Moving on, we know that many ARD patients rely on immunosuppressant medications. How do these treatments affect vaccine efficacy?
DR: Immunosuppressants dampen the immune system’s activity, which is necessary to control the overactive immune response in ARDs. This dampening can indeed reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. For example, methotrexate has been shown to limit the immune response, tho giving an additional vaccine dose can help boost immunity. Workarounds like temporary immunosuppressant withdrawal before vaccination are sometimes considered, but this should always be done under medical supervision.
INT: Lastly, Dr. aquesteappy,what advice would you give to individuals with ARDs regarding vaccinations and tips for boosting immunity?
DR: My key advice is to consult with their healthcare provider before vaccinations,as they understand their specific condition and treatment best. Completing the recommended vaccine schedule – even if it’s more than the two doses initially recommended – is crucial for building immunity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep, can also boost the body’s natural defenses. Remember, it’s not just about preventing infection; it’s also about reducing disease severity should infection occur.
INT: wise words indeed. Thank you, Dr. aquesteappy, for sharing your expertise with our readers today.
DR: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
INT: Ladies and gentlemen, that was Dr.aquesteappy, immunologist and researcher at IMMCA, CONICET-UNT-SIPROSA. Until next time, stay informed and stay healthy.
