Autoinflammatory Diseases and COVID-19 Vaccination: Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Anti-S-RBD IgG Levels in a Cohort of Patients Receiving IL-1 Inhibitors

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antibody response after COVID-19 vaccination in patients affected by systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAID) undertaking IL-1 inhibitors (IL-1i) compared to healthy vaccinated controls (HC). The course of COVID-19 in vaccinated patients on IL-1i was also assessed. The serological response was evaluated in SAID patients using the CLIA MAGLUMI TM 2000 Plus test after the first vaccination cycle and the booster dose. Fifty-four fully vaccinated healthcare workers were enrolled as HCs. GraphPad Prism 8 software was used for statistical analysis. All patients developed an adequate antibody response. No differences were observed between the antibody titers of patients on IL-1i and those not on IL-1i, either after the first vaccination cycle or the booster dose (p = 0.99), and to HC (p = 0.99). With increasing age, a decrease in antibody production was assessed after the second vaccine in SAID (r = 0.67, p = 0.0003). In general, 11.6% of SAID patients had COVID-19 after receiving vaccination. None of them developed severe disease or experienced flares of their autoinflammatory disease. In conclusion, patients receiving IL-1i develop an antibody response comparable to HC. No side effects after vaccination were observed; IL-1i was continued before and after injections to avoid flare-ups.