[SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and reaction of the immune system. Can the epidemic spread of the virus be prevented by vaccination?] / SARS-CoV-2-Impfstoffe und Reaktion des Immunsystems. Kann die epidemische Ausbreitung des Virus durch Impfung verhindert werden?

Since the end of 2019 a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, first identified in Wuhan, China, is spreading around the world partially associated with a high death toll. Besides hygienic measurements to reduce the spread of the virus vaccines have been confected, partially based on the experiences with Ebola virus vaccine, based on recombinant human or chimpanzee adenovirus carrying the spike protein and its ACE2 receptor binding domain (RBD). Further vaccines are constructed by spike protein coding mRNA incorporated in lipid nano vesicles that after entry in human cells produce spike protein. Both vaccine types induce a strong immune response that lasts for months possibly for T-cell immunity a few years. Due to mutations in the coronavirus genome in several parts of the world variants selected, that were partially more pathogenic and partially easier transmissible - variants of concern (VOC). Until now vaccinees are protected against the VOC, even when protection might be reduced compared to the Wuhan wild virus.An open field is still how long the vaccine induced immunity will be sufficient to prevent infection and/or disease; and how long the time period will last until revaccination will be required for life saving protection, whether a third vaccination is needed, and whether revaccination with an adenovirus-based vaccine will be tolerated.

Thromboinflammation in COVID-19: Can α2 -macroglobulin help to control the fire?

The complex COVID-19-associated coagulopathy appears to impair prognosis. Recently, we presented the hypothesis that children are to some extent protected by higher α2 -macroglobulin (α2 -M) levels from severe COVID-19. In addition to endothelial cells, thrombin, and platelets, neutrophil granulocytes also appear to play an important role. Neutrophils extrude extracellular nets, which are histone- and protease-coated web-like DNA structures; activate coagulation and platelets; and release radicals and proteases such as elastase. The unique phylogenetically ancient and "versatile" inhibitor α2 -M contributes particularly during childhood to the antithrombin activity of plasma, binds a broad spectrum of proteases, and interacts with other mediators of inflammation such as cytokines. It is suggested that the scope of basic research and clinical studies would include the potential role of α2 -M in COVID-19.