Can vitamin D status influence seroconversion to SARS-COV2 vaccines?

Shahini, Endrit; Pesce, Francesco; Argentiero, Antonella; Solimando, Antonio Giovanni

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038316

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The Spike protein mutations in Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have exhibited a heightened affinity for the ACE-2 receptor on human epithelial cells, enhancing their entry [42]. Individuals with low vitamin D levels (hypovitaminosis D) experience reduced neutralizing antibody titers from prior infection or vaccination [43]. Moreover, these individuals show lower responsiveness of neutralizing antibodies generated through vaccination, partly due to immune evasion [44,45], particularly pronounced against bivalent vaccines, as seen with BQ and XBB subvariants [46].…”

Section: Ongoing Mutations Of the Sars-cov-2 Virusmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Omicron series is characterized by highly mutable single-stranded RNA genomes, leading to increased transmissibility and evasion from detection by COVID-19 vaccines, including bivalent vaccines [47]. Countries with higher vaccination rates experienced a higher incidence of viral mutations, particularly among those vaccinated, but also weakened immune systems due to severe vitamin D deficiency [43]. This has posed a significant public health threat, hindering the elimination of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide.…”

Section: Ongoing Mutations Of the Sars-cov-2 Virusmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Decoding the paradox: Understanding Elevated Hospitalization and Reduced Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Sunil J. Wimalawansa

2024

Int. J. Front. Sci. Technol. Res.

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Introduction and aim: SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks occur cyclically, aligning with winter when vitamin D levels are lowest, except after new variant outbreaks. Adequate vitamin D is crucial for robust immune function. Hypovitaminosis diminishes immune responses, increasing susceptibility to viral infections. The manuscript explores the discrepancy between increased SARS-CoV-2 hospitalizations and lower mortality. Method: SARS-CoV-2 mutants, including Delta, BQ, and XBB Omicron lineages, developed immune evasion capabilities, reducing the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and bivalent boosters. The failure of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent infections and spread to others, coupled with the immune evasion exhibited by mutant viruses, contributed to continued SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. Interestingly, dominant new mutants, despite their increased transmissibility, have caused fewer deaths. This article scrutinizes the mentioned incongruity through an analysis of published data. Results: Achieving herd immunity and eradicating SARS-CoV-2 has proven elusive due to ongoing mutagenesis and immune evasion, leading to recurrent viral outbreaks. The failure to approve repurposed early therapies for COVID-19 by regulators, as well as misinformation and weak strategies undertaken by leading health authorities, exacerbated the situation. Repurposed agents, including vitamin D and ivermectin, have demonstrated high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 from the beginning, and remain unaffected by mutations. Despite their cost-effectiveness and widespread availability, regulatory approval for these generic agents in COVID-19 treatment is pending. Conclusion: Regulators hesitated to approve cost-effective, repurposed generic agents primarily to safeguard the temporary approval status of COVID-19 vaccines and anti-viral agents under Emergency Use Authorization, which persists. This reluctance overlooked the opportunity to implement an integrated approach with repurposed agents alongside COVID-19 vaccines, potentially reducing hospitalizations and fatalities and preventing outbreaks; this led to the failure to eradicate SARS-CoV-2 and becoming endemic. It is imperative that regulators now reconsider approving affordable generics for SARS-CoV-2 to effectively control future viral outbreaks. Non-technical Importance (Lay Abstract) Adequate vitamin D levels significantly bolster the human immune system—deficiency compromises immune responses and increases susceptibility, particularly to viruses. While new SARS-CoV-2 mutations like Omicron are less severe, they are more infectious and adept at evading immunity from vaccines; thus, they offer a limited spectrum of protection and duration. Primary COVID-19 vaccines have reduced disease severity but have failed to prevent viral spread, contributing to outbreaks. Booster doses had little effect on the virus but caused immune paresis, thus increasing susceptibility to infections. Regulators should consider approving generic, repurposed agents like vitamin D and ivermectin as adjunct therapies to address this challenge and better prepare for future pandemics. Proactively integrating vitamin D supplementation to fortify the immune system can mitigate vital outbreaks, alleviate hospital burdens, and reduce healthcare costs.

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Section: Ongoing Mutations Of the Sars-cov-2 Virusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Ongoing Mutations Of the Sars-cov-2 Virusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Decoding the paradox: Understanding Elevated Hospitalization and Reduced Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Sunil J. Wimalawansa

2024

Int. J. Front. Sci. Technol. Res.

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“…Alternative vaccine schedules are not insignificant, and they frequently affect vaccine efficacy. Similarly, adjusting the schedules to account for the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, as well as individuals' ability to mount and sustain an immune response, is critical [81,82].…”

Section: Immune Dysregulation Andmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determinants of COVID-19 Disease Severity–Lessons from Primary and Secondary Immune Disorders including Cancer

Solimando

Bittrich

Shahini

et al. 2023

IJMS

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At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with primary and secondary immune disorders—including patients suffering from cancer—were generally regarded as a high-risk population in terms of COVID-19 disease severity and mortality. By now, scientific evidence indicates that there is substantial heterogeneity regarding the vulnerability towards COVID-19 in patients with immune disorders. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge about the effect of coexistent immune disorders on COVID-19 disease severity and vaccination response. In this context, we also regarded cancer as a secondary immune disorder. While patients with hematological malignancies displayed lower seroconversion rates after vaccination in some studies, a majority of cancer patients’ risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease were either inherent (such as metastatic or progressive disease) or comparable to the general population (age, male gender and comorbidities such as kidney or liver disease). A deeper understanding is needed to better define patient subgroups at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease courses. At the same time, immune disorders as functional disease models offer further insights into the role of specific immune cells and cytokines when orchestrating the immune response towards SARS-CoV-2 infection. Longitudinal serological studies are urgently needed to determine the extent and the duration of SARS-CoV-2 immunity in the general population, as well as immune-compromised and oncological patients.

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Can vitamin D status influence seroconversion to SARS-COV2 vaccines?

Cited by 2 publications

References 81 publications

Decoding the paradox: Understanding Elevated Hospitalization and Reduced Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Decoding the paradox: Understanding Elevated Hospitalization and Reduced Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Determinants of COVID-19 Disease Severity–Lessons from Primary and Secondary Immune Disorders including Cancer

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