Comprehensive investigations revealed consistent pathophysiological alterations after vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines

Cell Discovery, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41421-021-00329-3 · Published: January 1, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on healthy volunteers. It examines not only antibody production but also changes in various health indicators. The research reveals that vaccination leads to alterations in blood glucose, electrolytes, coagulation, and kidney function, resembling changes seen in COVID-19 patients. The study suggests caution when vaccinating individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or kidney problems due to these observed physiological changes.

Study Duration

90 days

Participants

11 healthy adult volunteers

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Vaccination with an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine induces consistent alterations in hemoglobin A1c, serum sodium and potassium levels, coagulation profiles, and renal functions.
2
Single-cell mRNA sequencing reveals reductions in CD8+ T cells and increases in classic monocyte contents after vaccination.
3
Vaccination increases NF-κB signaling and reduces type I interferon responses, mirroring responses seen after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Research Summary

This study comprehensively investigates pathophysiological and immunological changes in healthy volunteers after COVID-19 vaccination with an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The findings reveal consistent alterations in clinical laboratory measurements, including HbA1c, electrolytes, coagulation profiles, and renal function, resembling changes observed in COVID-19 patients. Single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrates dramatic alterations in gene expression of immune cells, increased NF-κB signaling, and reduced type I interferon responses, suggesting a potentially vulnerable immune state post-vaccination.

Practical Implications

Caution for Pre-existing Conditions

Exercise additional caution when vaccinating individuals with pre-existing clinical conditions such as diabetes, electrolyte imbalances, renal dysfunction, and coagulation disorders.

Short-term Immune Vulnerability

Recognize that in the short-term (1 month) after vaccination, a person's immune system might be in a non-privileged state, requiring increased protection.

Further Vaccine Evaluation

Consider the potential long-term impact of vaccination on certain medical conditions and general human health, potentially expanding analysis performed for vaccine evaluation.

Study Limitations

1
The study acknowledges that whether changes in immune system function-related genes are COVID-19-specific or generally applicable to other vaccines remains to be determined.
2
The B-cell population in PBMCs preparations may not reflect the whole spectrum of humoral immunity.
3
The study focuses on short-term effects (up to 90 days), and the long-term consequences of these observed changes require further investigation.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to COVID-19