COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized by Stringent Regulatory Authorities and Vaccine Candidates Expecting Approval in 2021

This chapter discusses the COVID-19 vaccines that have received emergency use approval (EUA) or full approval from stringent regulatory authorities (SRA) or World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL). WHO's EUL procedure assesses the quality, safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, the chapter explains how these vaccines have been developed in a significantly shorter timeline as compared to other vaccines. Knowledge gaps and topics for further research have also been identified, including the durability and duration of protection, the need for a booster, long-term safety and efficacy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Information on COVID-19 vaccines were systematically gathered from the official websites of the World Health Organization, US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Health Canada, Therapeutic Goods Administration, and other stringent regulatory authorities as defined by the WHO Secretariat. Of the over 300 vaccine candidates, approximately 100 are in clinical trials while 18 have been authorized for use. Of these, 8 COVID vaccines have been reviewed under the WHO EUL procedure and have been determined to meet WHO standards for protection against COVID-19 while others are under review. Further research on these COVID vaccines are underway as part of the EUL process, the company producing the vaccine commit to continue to generate data to enable full licensure and WHO prequalification of the vaccine. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Jerne's "immune network theory", of interacting anti-idiotypic antibodies applied to immune responses during COVID-19 infection and after COVID-19 vaccination.

Niels Kaj Jerne has proposed the "immune network theory" of interactions among anti-idiotypic antibodies, able to interfere with humoral responses to certain antigens. After the occurrence of the primary generation of antibodies, against an antigenic epitope, idiotypes of these antibodies induce anti-idiotypic antibodies that modulate the intensity of the first response, and so on. Adverse effects following SARS-COV-2 COVID-19 vaccines are occasionally similar to the symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Rare events linked to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines also resemble some rarely reported COVID-19 complications. Safety data from product information by European Medicines Agency suggest that spectra do overlap for four main vaccines. The proposition is that vaccine events and COVID-19 complications are related to anti-idiotypic antibodies whose spatial shape can lead to interactions with ACE2 molecules, in individuals with a prolonged Spike protein synthesis. The vaccines target cells by their affinity to the vaccine vector, or to engulf lipid nanoparticles. Anti-idiotypic antibodies shaped similarly to the Spike protein possibly interact with ACE2 molecules and cause diverse signs and symptoms.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Myocarditis: An Overview of Current Evidence.

COVID-19 vaccines have been widely used to reduce the incidence and disease severity of COVID-19. Questions have lately been raised about the possibility of an association between COVID-19 vaccines and myocarditis, an inflammatory condition affecting the myocardium, or the middle layer of the heart. Myocarditis can be caused by infections, immune reactions, or toxic exposure. The incidence rate of myocarditis and pericarditis was calculated to be 5.98 instances per million COVID-19 vaccine doses delivered, which is less than half of the incidences after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Myocarditis rates in people aged 12 to 39 years are around 12.6 cases per million doses following the second dose of mRNA vaccination. Adolescent men are more likely than women to develop myocarditis after receiving mRNA vaccines. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to find out how often myocarditis occurs after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the risk factors and clinical repercussions of this condition. Nevertheless, the causal relationship between vaccination and myocarditis has been difficult to establish, and further research is required. It is also essential to distinguish between suggested cases of myocarditis and those confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy.

Cellular and humoral responses after second and third SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations in patients with autoimmune diseases treated with rituximab: specific T cell immunity remains longer and plays a protective role against SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.

Background: Humoral and cellular immune responses are known to be crucial for patients to recover from COVID-19 and to protect them against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection once infected or vaccinated. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate humoral and T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with autoimmune diseases after the second and third vaccine doses while on rituximab and their potential protective role against reinfection. Methods: Ten COVID-19-naïve patients were included. Three time points were used for monitoring cellular and humoral responses: pre-vaccine to exclude virus exposure (time point 1) and post-second and post-third vaccine (time points 2 and 3). Specific IgG antibodies were monitored by Luminex and T cells against SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein by ELISpot and CoVITEST. All episodes of symptomatic COVID-19 were recorded. Results: Nine patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and one with an undifferentiated autoimmune disease were included. Nine patients received mRNA vaccines. The last rituximab infusion was administered for a mean (SD) of 15 (10) weeks before the first vaccine and six patients were CD19-B cell-depleted. After a mean (SD) of 19 (10) and 16 (2) days from the second and third vaccine dose, IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in six (60%) and eight (80%) patients, respectively. All patients developed specific T cell responses by ELISpot and CoVITEST in time points 2 and 3. Previous B cell depletion correlated with anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. Nine (90%) patients developed mild COVID-19 after a median of 7 months of the third dose. Conclusion: Rituximab in patients with autoimmune diseases reduces humoral responses but does not avoid the development of T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, which remain present after a booster dose. A steady cellular immunity appears to be protective against subsequent reinfections.

Robust Vaccine-Induced as Well as Hybrid B- and T-Cell Immunity across SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Platforms in People with HIV.

Few studies have comprehensively compared severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine-induced and hybrid B- and T-cell responses in people with HIV (PWH) to those in comparable controls without HIV. We included 195 PWH and 246 comparable controls from the AGEhIV COVID-19 substudy. A positive nucleocapsid antibody (INgezim IgA/IgM/IgG) or self-reported PCR test defined prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (anti-S) IgG titers and anti-S IgG production by memory B cells were assessed. Neutralizing antibody titers were determined in a subset of participants. T-cell responses were assessed by gamma interferon (IFN-γ) release and activation-induced marker assay. We estimated mean differences in postvaccination immune responses (ß) between levels of determinants. Anti-S IgG titers and anti-S IgG production by memory B cells were not different between PWH and controls. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (ß = 0.77), receiving mRNA vaccine (ß = 0.56), female sex (ß = 0.24), fewer days between last vaccination and sampling (ß = 0.07), and a CD4/CD8 ratio of <1.0 (ß = -0.39) were independently associated with anti-S IgG titers, but HIV status was not. Neutralization titers against the ancestral and Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants were not different between PWH and controls. IFN-γ release was higher in PWH. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (ß = 2.39), HIV-positive status (ß = 1.61), and fewer days between last vaccination and sampling (ß = 0.23) were independently associated with higher IFN-γ release. The percentages of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, however, were not different between PWH and controls. Individuals with well-controlled HIV generally mount robust vaccine-induced as well as hybrid B- and T-cell immunity across SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms similar to controls. Determinants of a reduced vaccine response were likewise largely similar in both groups and included a lower CD4/CD8 ratio. IMPORTANCE Some studies have suggested that people with HIV may respond less well to vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. We comprehensively compared B- and T-cell responses to different COVID-19 vaccines in middle-aged persons with well-treated HIV and individuals of the same age without HIV, who were also highly comparable in terms of demographics and lifestyle, including those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Individuals with HIV generally mounted equally robust immunity to the different vaccines. Even stronger immunity was observed in both groups after prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings are reassuring with respect to the efficacy of SARS-Cov-2 vaccines for the sizable and increasing global population of people with HIV with access and a good response to HIV treatment.

Experience with sotrovimab treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in Denmark.

AIMS: To evaluate the experience with use of sotrovimab following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in high-risk groups. METHODS: In a nationwide, population-based cohort study, we identified all individuals treated with sotrovimab (N = 2933) and stratified them by 4 high-risk groups: (A) malignant haematological disease, (B) solid organ transplantation, (C) anti-CD20 therapy ≤1 year and (D) other risks. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios for hospitalization, death and associated prognostic factors. RESULTS: Of 2933 sotrovimab-treated individuals, 83% belonged to high-risk groups (37.6% haematological malignancy, 27.4% solid organ transplantation and 17.5% treatment with anti-CD20 ≤1 year). Only 17.8% had other risks (11.8% were pregnant, 10.7% primary immunodeficiency, 21.2% other malignancy, 4.3% received anti-CD20 >1 year and 52.0% other/unknown causes). Within 90 days of infusion, 30.2% were hospitalized and 5.3% died. The main prognostic factors were the predefined high-risk groups, mainly malignant haematological disease and age ≥65 years. Number of COVID-19 vaccines (≥3) was associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization. The Delta but not the Omicron BA.2 variant was associated with a higher risk of death compared to the BA.1 variant. CONCLUSION: More than 90% of the patients treated with sotrovimab belonged to the very high-risk groups as described in the Danish guidelines. Sotrovimab-treated individuals remained at a high risk of hospitalization and death which was strongly associated with the underlying immunocompromised state and age. Having received >3 COVID-19 vaccines was association with decreased risk of death and hospitalization.

COVID Vaccine-Associated Uveitis.

PURPOSE: Following the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, different vaccines were developed and approved by the main medical authorities under emergency protocol regulations. Although highly effective and well-tolerated in most patients, vaccines can uncommonly cause ocular adverse effects. In this article, the current evidence related to vaccine-associated uveitis is reviewed. METHODS: A literature review of uveitis post various SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. RESULTS: Uveitis was reported following various forms of vaccinations but was more commonly seen following the Pfizer mRNA vaccine which is the most used vaccination worldwide. In western countries, the most common uveitis is mild anterior uveitis, developing within a week of first or subsequent vaccination with good resolution following appropriate topical steroid therapy in most cases. Posterior uveitis and particularly Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease was more prevalent in Asia. Uveitis may develop among known uveitis patients and those with other autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSION: Uveitis following Covid vaccinations is uncommon and has a good prognosis.

The relevant information about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using the five-question approach (when, where, what, why, and how) and its impact on the environment.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is regarded as a threat because it spreads quickly across the world without requiring a passport or establishing an identity. This tiny virus has wreaked havoc on people's lives, killed people, and created psychological problems all over the world. The viral spike protein (S) significantly contributes to host cell entry, and mutations associated with it, particularly in the receptor-binding protein (RBD), either facilitate the escape of virus from neutralizing antibodies or enhance its transmission by increasing the affinity for cell entry receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The initial variants identified in Brazil, South Africa, and the UK have spread to various countries. On the other hand, new variants are being detected in India and the USA. The viral genome and proteome were applied for molecular detection techniques, and nanotechnology particles and materials were utilized in protection and prevention strategies. Consequently, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in extraordinary scientific community efforts to develop detection methods, diagnosis tools, and effective antiviral drugs and vaccines, where prevailing academic, governmental, and industrial institutions and organizations continue to engage themselves in large-scale screening of existing drugs, both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, COVID-19 pointed on the possible solutions for the environmental pollution globe problem. Therefore, this review aims to address SARS-CoV-2, its transmission, where it can be found, why it is severe in some people, how it can be stopped, its diagnosis and detection techniques, and its relationship with the environment.

Pediatric Minimal Change Disease and AKI following the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine: Causal or incidental correlation?

The global coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic required vaccination even in children to reduce infection. We report on the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and minimal change disease (MCD) nephrotic syndrome (NS), shortly after the first injection BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech). A 12-year-old previously healthy boy was referred to our hospital with complaints of peripheral edema and nephrotic range proteinuria. Nine days earlier he had received his first injection BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech). Seven days after injection, he developed leg edema, which rapidly progressed to anasarca with significant weight gain. On admission, serum creatinine was 1.3 mg/dL and 24-hour urinary protein excretion was 4 grams with fluid overload. As kidney function continued to decline over the next days, empirical steroid treatment and renal replacement therapy with ultrafiltration were started and kidney biopsy was performed. Seven days after steroid therapy, kidney function began to improve, gradually returning to normal. The association of MCD, nephrotic syndrome and AKI hasn't been previously described following the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in pediatric population, but this triad has been reported in adults. We need further similar case reports to establish the real incidence of this possible vaccine side effect. © 2022 Società Italiana di Nefrologia - Anno 39 Volume 6 n° 4.

Sex differences in the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in residents of long-term care facilities: insights from the GeroCovid Vax study.

Despite the reported sex-related variations in the immune response to vaccination, whether the effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination differ by sex is still under debate, especially considering old vulnerable individuals, such as long-term care facilities (LTCFs) residents. This study aimed to evaluate COVID-19 infections, adverse events, and humoral response after vaccination in a sample of LTCF residents. A total of 3259 LTCF residents (71% females; mean age: 83.4 ± 9.2 years) were enrolled in the Italian-based multicenter GeroCovid Vax study. We recorded the adverse effects occurring during the 7 days after vaccine doses and COVID-19 cases over 12 months post-vaccination. In a subsample of 524 residents (69% females), pre- and post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 trimeric S immunoglobulin G (Anti-S-IgG) were measured through chemiluminescent assays at different time points. Only 12.1% of vaccinated residents got COVID-19 during the follow-up, without any sex differences. Female residents were more likely to have local adverse effects after the first dose (13.3% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.018). No other sex differences in systemic adverse effects and for the following doses were recorded, as well as in anti-S-IgG titer over time. Among the factors modifying the 12-month anti-S-IgG titers, mobility limitations and depressive disorder were more likely to be associated with higher and lower levels in the antibody response, respectively; a significantly lower antibody titer was observed in males with cardiovascular diseases and in females with diabetes or cognitive disorders. The study suggests that, among LTCF residents, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was effective regardless of sex, yet sex-specific comorbidities influenced the antibody response. Local adverse reactions were more common in females.

Effectiveness, Immunogenicity and Harms of Additional SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Doses in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who have a highly impaired immune response are in need of intensified and safe vaccination strategies to achieve seroconversion and prevent severe disease. METHODS: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection, the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register and the WHO COVID-19 global literature on coronavirus disease from January 2020 to 22 July 2022 for prospective studies that assessed immunogenicity and efficacy after three or more SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses. RESULTS: In 37 studies on 3429 patients, de novo seroconversion after three and four vaccine doses ranged from 32 to 60% and 25 to 37%. Variant-specific neutralization was 59 to 70% for Delta and 12 to 52% for Omicron. Severe disease after infection was rarely reported but all concerned KTRs lacked immune responses after vaccination. Studies investigating the clinical course of COVID-19 found remarkably higher rates of severe disease than in the general population. Serious adverse events and acute graft rejections were very rare. Substantial heterogeneity between the studies limited their comparability and summary. CONCLUSION: Additional SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses are potent and safe in general terms as well as regarding transplant-specific outcomes whilst the Omicron wave remains a significant threat to KTRs without adequate immune responses.

Immunity Modulators, Repurposed Drugs and Candidate Vaccines for COVID-19: A Review

COVID-19, a pandemic has led the whole globe through unprecedented times and unpre-dictability that has adversely affected the humanity as a whole. Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome was reported in the year 2002-2004 of zoonotic origin caused by SARS-CoV-1 strain. Now recently, in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 virus has emerged and swiftly spread to the whole world, taking a heavy toll on life. Studies are being conducted worldwide to find antiviral drugs act-ing specifically on the virus and to develop the vaccine for the disease. The present review article summarizes the currently undergoing clinical trials of Indian Ayurvedic herbs and their role in promoting immunity. It also includes studies focused on repurposing the existing drugs and finding alternative treatment methods that can be opted for potential treatment/management of COVID-19. Last but not the least, this paper provides a background on the development of preventive vaccines and the various bioinformatic tools utilized in order to help accelerate the research on coronavirus. The manuscript gives a brief outline of all the possible strategies and therapeutics underway in India and at the global level to fight against the microscopic adversary and lead to an affordable and speedy remedy for COVID-19.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

COVID-19 Vaccines: Fabrication Techniques and Current Status

The year 2020 was the most challenging period due to the havoc caused by the outbreak of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Scientists and researchers all around the world have endeav-ored every possible approach to find solutions in context to therapeutics and vaccines to control the spread of this life-threatening virus. The acceleration instigated by the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 and its mutated strains has leveraged the use of numerous platform technologies for the development of vaccines against this unfathomable disease. Vaccines could play an important role in miti-gating the effects of COVID-19 and reducing the ongoing health crisis. Various innovative plat-forms like proteins, nucleic acids, viruses, and viral vectors have been exploited to fabricate vaccines depicting almost 90% of efficacy like BNT162b2, AZD1222, Ad5-nCoV, etc. Some of these vaccines are multipotent and have shown potent activity against newly emerged malicious strains of SARS-CoV-2 like B.1.351 and B.1.1.7. In this review article, we have gathered key findings from various sources of recently popularized vaccine candidates, which will provide an overview of potential vaccine candidates against this virus and will help the researchers to investi-gate possible ways to annihilate this menace and design new moieties.Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.

GUIDELINES FOR IMMUNIZATION OF CHILDREN FOLLOWING MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN (MIS-C).

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, MIS-C is also referred to as a paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome, PIMS. It is a late complication of SARS-CoV-2 infec-tion. The underlying cause is immunological dysregulation, leading to severe inflammatory processes. Children with PIMS require hospital treatment, the use of immunomodulating drugs, and often intensive care. The high effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination has been demonstrated in the prevention of MIS-C in adolescents. However, there are no explic-it vaccination recommendations for children who have already suffered from MIS-C. We present a summary of current knowledge on vaccinations against COVID-19 in the context of MIS-C and the Polish guidance of vaccinations for children following MIS-C.Copyright © 2022, Wydawnictwo Czelej Sp. z o.o.. All rights reserved.

Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Current Update: Perspective on Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Drug Targets and Vaccines

Background: A novel coronavirus disease, 2019-nCoV (COVID-19), was reported first in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, China, in late December 2019 and subsequently reached pandemic level affecting around 213 countries. As of 24th May 2020, the total number of positive cases confirmed is 5,446,514 and 344,754 death reports worldwide. COVID-19 infection causes pneumonia-like severe respiratory infection and acute lung failure. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coron-avirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA beta coronavirus that is a confirmed causative agent of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 may use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), unlike the receptor utilized by SARS-CoV (emerged in 2002) to infect humans. People with a history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Objective(s): The purpose of this review was to help the society to distinguish and deal with SARS-CoV-2, and make available a reference for forthcoming studies. Method(s): Recently, diagnostic primer sets on the SARS-CoV-2 genome have been identified. The receptor-binding domain of SARS-COV-2 highlighted the mode by which beta-CoV recognizes ACE2. Various diagnostic tools are available to differentiate and identify SARS-CoV-2 infection as RT-PCR, antigen detection assay, and antibody detection assay. Different strategies have been employed to control the SARS-CoV-2, considering various drug targets like the main protease (3-CLPro), papain-like protease (PLpro), helicase (NSP13), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdR-p), and viral envelope (E) protein. Conclusion(s): In the present review, we have updated details of transmission, pathogenesis, genome structure, diagnostic criteria, clinical characteristics, therapeutics, and vaccine development of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may be significant in the control and response to the COVID-19 out-break.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

The Vaccines Induced Autoimmunity

Vaccines for the past 300 years have played a crucial role in curbing infectious diseases. The development of effective and safe vaccines has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality caused by infectious diseases. Moreover, recent advancements in vaccinology, immunology, microbiology, and genetic engineering have led to novel advancement in vaccine development. This advancement has been quite evident in the current COVID-19 pandemic, where the swift development and approval of vaccines has stopped the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, the COVID-19 vaccine has saved patients from severe complications and even death. Despite vaccines' recent advancements and advantages, it would be naïve to believe that vaccines cannot cause adverse reactions. Moreover, evidence suggests vaccines' involvement in developing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions through molecular mimicry, bystander activation, and cross-reactivity. Additionally, the adjuvants and preservatives added in the vaccine formulations may trigger an autoimmune response. As vaccines are administered to healthy individuals, in many cases to children, any adverse complications can have serious consequences. This chapter mainly focuses on mechanisms of vaccine induced autoimmunity, different vaccines reported for such autoimmune conditions, so that the existing knowledge could help in developing safe and effective vaccines. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.

Layered vaccine allocation for spatio-temporal vaccination of COVID-19

Optimal allocation of vaccine doses is a major challenge faced by the health authorities especially in the case of an ever-growing pandemic expansion and a limited supply availability. Based on a spatio-temporal compartmental virus propagation model applied to the case of SARS-CoV-2 virus, we investigate a layered vaccine allocation strategy for the subpopulations of a given country or a geographical region based on the prevalence of susceptible individuals as a prioritization metric. Our findings show that a relaxed layered allocation prioritization, where a maximum of regions benefit from vaccine doses is more effective in controlling the epidemic than a strict prioritization, focused only on the few most prioritized regions. These results are consistent among different vaccine rollout speeds for various limiting values of the priority list. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Modern Physics C: Computational Physics & Physical Computation is the property of World Scientific Publishing Company and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

COVID-19 in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and the antiphospholipid syndrome

In patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), the dysregulated immune response together with the use of immunosuppressive drugs has raised some concerns about the increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Moreover, COVID-19, SLE, and APS share pathogenic pathways that may be responsible of common clinical and laboratory features and may explain why some drugs approved for SLE treatment were considered as potential treatment for COVID-19 disease. Another concern relies on "post-COVID syndrome” (the persistence of debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive dysfunction) that could be confused with signs of SLE or APS. This chapter describes the common pathogenic mechanisms and clinical manifestations of COVID-19, SLE, and APS. Management strategies and immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccines are addressed. A focus on pregnant patients is also provided. Finally, similarities and differences between post-COVID syndrome and SLE/APS manifestations are described. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Potential Immunotherapy against SARS-CoV-2: Strategy and Status

SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has engrossed the world with immense distress. It has shattered the global healthcare system and has inflicted so much pain on humanity. COVID-19, the disease caused by a microscopic enemy, has now spread to almost all the countries in the world affecting millions of people and causing enormous casualties. World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2019. As of June 15, 2020, almost 7.70 million people have already been infected globally with 428,000 reported casualties. In the United States alone, 2.14 million people have been infected and 117,000 people have succumbed to this pandemic. A multipronged approach has been launched towards combating this pandemic with the main focus on exhaustive screening, developing efficacious therapies, and vaccines for long-term immunity. Several pharmaceutical companies in collaboration with various academic institutions and governmental organizations have started investigating new therapeutics and repurposing approved drugs so as to find fast and affordable treatments against this disease. The present communication aims at highlighting the efforts that are currently underway to treat or prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection through immunotherapy. Emphasis has been laid on discussing the approaches and platforms that are being utilized for the speedy development of therapeutic antibodies and preventive vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. The manuscript also presents a detailed discussion regarding strategy, clinical status, and timeline for the development of safe and enduring immunotherapy against SARS-CoV-2. All the details pertaining to the clinical status of each candidate have been last updated on June 15, 2020.Copyright © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers.