XBB.1.5 COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Induce Inadequate Mucosal Immunity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background: Mucosal immunity plays a pivotal role in preventing infections with SARS-CoV-2. While COVID-19 mRNA vaccines induce robust systemic immune responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), little is known about their efficacy in the mucosal immune compartment. In this sub-inve...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Vaccines |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/13/7/759 |
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| Summary: | Background: Mucosal immunity plays a pivotal role in preventing infections with SARS-CoV-2. While COVID-19 mRNA vaccines induce robust systemic immune responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), little is known about their efficacy in the mucosal immune compartment. In this sub-investigation of the ongoing STAR-SIGN study, we present the first analysis of mucosal immunity elicited by XBB.1.5 mRNA vaccines in immunocompromised patients with IBD. Methods: IgG and IgA antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant were quantified longitudinally in the saliva of IBD patients using the multiplex immunoassay MultiCoV-Ab. Antibody levels were quantified before and 2–4 weeks after vaccination with XBB.1.5 mRNA vaccines. All patients previously received three doses with original COVID-19 vaccines. Results: Mucosal IgG antibodies were readily induced by XBB.1.5 mRNA vaccines (<i>p</i> = 0.0013 comparing pre- and post-vaccination levels). However, mucosal IgA levels were comparable before and after vaccination (<i>p</i> = 0.8233). Consequently, mucosal IgG and IgA antibody levels correlated only moderately before and after immunization (pre-vaccination: <i>r</i> = 0.5294; <i>p</i> = 0.0239; post-vaccination: <i>r</i> = 0.4863; <i>p</i> = 0.0407). Contrary to a previous report in healthy individuals, vaccination did not induce serum IgA in patients with IBD (<i>p</i> = 0.5841 comparing pre- and post-vaccination levels). These data suggest that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines fail to elicit mucosal IgA in patients with IBD. Conclusions: Since mucosal IgA plays a pivotal role in infection control, the lack of IgA induction indicates that patients lack sufficient protection against SARS-CoV-2 infections which warrants the development of mucosal COVID-19 vaccines. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-393X |