Cytokine levels in maternal and infant blood after COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy in comparison with unvaccinated controls

Sabharwal, Vishakha; Demos, Riley; Snyder‐Cappione, Jennifer; Parker, Samantha E.; Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb, Yazdan; Hunnewell, Jessica; Boateng, Jeffery; Clarke, Katherine; Yuen, Rachel; Barnett, Elizabeth D.; Yarrington, Christina; Taglauer, Elizabeth; Wachman, Elisha M.

doi:10.1016/j.jri.2023.103821

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Early evidence has begun to characterize vaccine-induced immune profiles among pregnant individuals, with 1 small study finding no difference in cord blood IL-6 levels between individuals with COVID-19 infection, recent COVID-19 vaccination, or controls. Another study of 53 maternal-infant dyads comparing those having received the COVID-19 vaccine vs unvaccinated controls examined cytokine profiles at delivery and found decreased infant IL-1β but higher IFN-λ1 in the vaccinated group. However, current data are limited, and the impact of vaccination on cytokine profiles and the inflammatory response remain to be elucidated.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Utero Exposure to Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination and Offspring Neurodevelopment at 12 and 18 Months

Jaswa,

Cedars,

Lindquist

et al. 2024

JAMA Pediatr

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ImportanceUptake of COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant individuals was hampered by safety concerns around potential risks to unborn children. Data clarifying early neurodevelopmental outcomes of offspring exposed to COVID-19 vaccination in utero are lacking.ObjectiveTo determine whether in utero exposure to maternal COVID-19 vaccination was associated with differences in scores on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, third edition (ASQ-3), at 12 and 18 months of age.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis prospective cohort study, Assessing the Safety of Pregnancy During the Coronavirus Pandemic (ASPIRE), enrolled pregnant participants from May 2020 to August 2021; follow-up of children from these pregnancies is ongoing. Participants, which included pregnant individuals and their offspring from all 50 states, self-enrolled online. Study activities were performed remotely.ExposureIn utero exposure of the fetus to maternal COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was compared with those unexposed.Main Outcomes and MeasuresNeurodevelopmental scores on validated ASQ-3, completed by birth mothers at 12 and 18 months. A score below the established cutoff in any of 5 subdomains (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, social skills) constituted an abnormal screen for developmental delay.ResultsA total of 2487 pregnant individuals (mean [SD] age, 33.3 [4.2] years) enrolled at less than 10 weeks’ gestation and completed research activities, yielding a total of 2261 and 1940 infants aged 12 and 18 months, respectively, with neurodevelopmental assessments. In crude analyses, 471 of 1541 exposed infants (30.6%) screened abnormally for developmental delay at 12 months vs 203 of 720 unexposed infants (28.2%; χ2 = 1.32; P = .25); the corresponding prevalences at 18 months were 262 of 1301 (20.1%) vs 148 of 639 (23.2%), respectively (χ2 = 2.35; P = .13). In multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusting for maternal age, race, ethnicity, education, income, maternal depression, and anxiety, no difference in risk for abnormal ASQ-3 screens was observed at either time point (12 months: adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.14; 95% CI, 0.97-1.33; 18 months: aRR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.72-1.07). Further adjustment for preterm birth and infant sex did not affect results (12 months: aRR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.98-1.36; 18 months: aRR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71-1.07).Conclusions and RelevanceResults of this cohort study suggest that COVID-19 vaccination was safe during pregnancy from the perspective of infant neurodevelopment to 18 months of age. Additional longer-term research should be conducted to corroborate these findings and buttress clinical guidance with a strong evidence base.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In Utero Exposure to Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination and Offspring Neurodevelopment at 12 and 18 Months

Jaswa,

Cedars,

Lindquist

et al. 2024

JAMA Pediatr

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“…Pregnancy, a unique physiological state, leads to notable shifts in steroid hormone levels, impacting immune cell functionality [ 39 , 40 , 41 ]. While there have been studies comparing the vaccine responses between pregnant and non-pregnant individuals [ 42 , 43 ], there remains a paucity of research on such responses in regard to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study of Plasma MicroRNAs Associated with Inflammatory Cytokines after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

Shen,

Lin,

Chen

et al. 2024

Vaccines

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Background: The impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the immunological profiles of pregnant women remains a crucial area of study. This research aims to explore the specific immunological changes triggered by these vaccines in this demographic. Methods: In a focused investigation, we examined the effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination on microRNA expression in pregnant women. Key microRNAs, including miR-451a, miR-23a-3p, and miR-21-5p, were analyzed for expression changes post-vaccination. Additionally, we assessed variations in S1RBD IgG levels and specific cytokines to gauge the broader immunological response. Results: Post-vaccination, significant expression shifts in the targeted microRNAs were observed. Alongside these changes, we noted alterations in S1RBD IgG and various cytokines, indicating an adapted inflammatory response. Notably, these immunological markers displayed no direct correlation with S1RBD IgG concentrations, suggesting a complex interaction between the vaccine and the immune system in pregnant women. Conclusions: Our pilot study provides valuable insights into the nuanced effects of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on immune dynamics in pregnant women, particularly emphasizing the role of microRNAs. The findings illuminate the intricate interplay between vaccines, microRNAs, and immune responses, enhancing our understanding of these relationships in the context of pregnancy. This research contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge regarding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and their specific impact on maternal immunology, offering a foundation for further studies in this vital area.

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“…Maternal IP-10 and IFN-2/3/GM-CSF levels were lower in the vaccinated group and in the newborns, but IL-1, IFN-2/3, and GM-CSF levels were greater in the vaccinated cohort, according to Sabharwal et al ( Sabharwal et al, 2023 ). Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, according to Sabharwal et al, did not result in an increase in cytokines in mothers or babies ( Sabharwal et al, 2023 ).…”

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confidence: 85%

“…Dear Editor, we would like to share ideas on the publication “Cytokine levels in maternal and infant blood after COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy in comparison with unvaccinated controls ( Sabharwal et al, 2023 ).” Sabharwal et al examine the maternal and baby cytokine profiles at delivery between pregnant women who received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and non-immunized controls. Maternal IP-10 and IFN-2/3/GM-CSF levels were lower in the vaccinated group and in the newborns, but IL-1, IFN-2/3, and GM-CSF levels were greater in the vaccinated cohort, according to Sabharwal et al ( Sabharwal et al, 2023 ). Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, according to Sabharwal et al, did not result in an increase in cytokines in mothers or babies ( Sabharwal et al, 2023 ).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Cytokine levels in maternal and infant blood after COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy: Correspondence

Kleebayoon

Wiwanitkit

2023

Journal of Reproductive Immunology

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Cytokine levels in maternal and infant blood after COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy in comparison with unvaccinated controls

Cited by 5 publications

References 11 publications

In Utero Exposure to Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination and Offspring Neurodevelopment at 12 and 18 Months

In Utero Exposure to Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination and Offspring Neurodevelopment at 12 and 18 Months

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study of Plasma MicroRNAs Associated with Inflammatory Cytokines after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

Cytokine levels in maternal and infant blood after COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy: Correspondence

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