Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy in Immune Patients: Methotrexate Weakens Antibody Response
A recent study published in The Lancet Rheumatology has shed light on the immune response to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in patients with immune-related inflammatory diseases. These conditions often require treatment with immunosuppressants, which can affect vaccine efficacy.
The study, presented at ECCMID, found that patients taking methotrexate had a weakened antibody response to the first vaccine dose. Seroconversion rates were lowest in this group, at 47%. However, those taking biological drugs such as TNF inhibitors maintained a preserved antibody response.
Neutralising antibody levels were significantly lower in methotrexate users compared to healthy controls. Yet, T-cell responses were detected in all groups, even in some participants who did not produce antibodies. This suggests that cellular immunity may still provide some protection. Levels of neutralising antibodies to the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant were low in all participants, underscoring the need for continued preventative measures after the first dose.
It's important to note that patients taking immunosuppressants were excluded from initial COVID-19 vaccine trials, leaving a gap in data on vaccine effectiveness in this group. The authors stress the need for ongoing monitoring to determine the clinical effectiveness of the vaccines in these patients.
In conclusion, the study shows that while methotrexate use weakens the antibody response to the first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose, biological drugs do not have the same impact. T-cell responses provide some hope for protection, but further research is needed to fully understand vaccine effectiveness in patients with immune-related inflammatory diseases. Continued vigilance and monitoring are crucial for this patient group.
