ObjectiveThe level of neutralising capacity against Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 after third COVID-19 vaccination in patients on paused or continuous methotrexate (MTX) therapy is unclear.MethodsIn this observational cohort study, neutralising serum activity against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (Wu01) and variant of concern Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 were assessed by pseudovirus neutralisation assay before, 4 and 12 weeks after mRNA booster immunisation in 50 rheumatic patients on MTX, 26 of whom paused the medication. 44 non-immunosuppressed persons (NIP) served as control group.ResultsWhile the neutralising serum activity against SARS-CoV-2 Wu01 and Omicron variants increased 67–73 fold in the NIP after booster vaccination, the serum activity in patients receiving MTX increased only 20–23 fold. Patients who continued MTX treatment during vaccination had significantly lower neutralisation against all variants at weeks 4 and 12 compared with patients who paused MTX and the control group, except for BA.2 at week 12. Patients who paused MTX reached comparably high neutralising capacities as NIP, except for Wu01 at week 12. The duration of the MTX pause after—not before—was associated with a significantly higher neutralisation capacity against all three variants, with an optimal duration at 10 days after vaccination.ConclusionPatients pausing MTX after COVID-19 booster showed a similar vaccine response to NIP. Patients who continued MTX demonstrated an impaired response indicating a potentially beneficial second booster vaccination. Our data also suggest that a 1 week MTX break is sufficient if the last administration of MTX occurs 1–3 days before vaccination.

ObjectiveThe development of sufficient COVID-19 vaccines has been a big breakthrough in fighting the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, vaccination effectiveness can be reduced in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD). The aim of this study was to identify factors that lead to a diminished humoral vaccination response in patients with AIRD.MethodsVaccination response was measured with a surrogate virus neutralisation test and by testing for antibodies directed against the receptor-binding-domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 in 308 fully vaccinated patients with AIRD. In addition, 296 immunocompetent participants were investigated as a control group. Statistical adjusted analysis included covariates with a possible influence on antibody response.ResultsPatients with AIRD showed lower antibody responses compared with immunocompetent individuals (median neutralising capacity 90.8% vs 96.5%, p<0.001; median anti-RBD-IgG 5.6 S/CO vs 6.7 S/CO, p<0.001). Lower antibody response was significantly influenced by type of immunosuppressive therapy, but not by rheumatic diagnosis, with patients under rituximab therapy developing the lowest antibody levels. Patients receiving mycophenolate, methotrexate or janus kinase inhibitors also showed reduced vaccination responses. Additional negative influencing factors were vaccination with AZD1222, old age and shorter intervals between the first two vaccinations.ConclusionCertain immunosuppressive therapies are associated with lower antibody responses after vaccination. Additional factors such as vaccine type, age and vaccination interval should be taken into account. We recommend antibody testing in at-risk patients with AIRD and emphasise the importance of booster vaccinations in these patients.

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