Revaccination with BCG Synergizes with Subsequent Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2

Strategic Insights -

New research from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has found that revaccination with BCG can synergize with subsequent vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, particularly in occupationally exposed personnel. The study, published in the journal Cells, aimed to explore the effect of revaccination with BCG on the response to a subsequent anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The researchers discovered that individuals who received BCG revaccination had increased serum cytokine concentrations and higher neutralizing antibody titers compared to those who received a placebo.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to investigate the effect of revaccination with BCG on the response to a subsequent anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in occupationally exposed personnel.
  • Two groups of 30 randomized participants were selected: one group received a BCG revaccination, and the other group received a placebo, followed by vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.
  • The results showed that participants in the BCG group had increased serum cytokine concentrations and higher neutralizing antibody titers compared to the group that received the placebo.
  • The study identified 12 HLA-DRB1 alleles in the placebo group and only 9 in the BCG group, suggesting that the BCG revaccination may have an effect on the HLA-DRB loci.
  • The research concluded that revaccination with BCG synergizes with subsequent vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in occupationally exposed personnel.

Statistics:

  • 30 participants were selected for each group (BCG and placebo) for a total of 60 participants.
  • The BCG group had increased serum cytokine concentrations (IL-1b, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-18, GM-CSF, INF-g, and TNF-a).
  • The BCG group had higher neutralizing antibody titers compared to the placebo group.
  • 12 HLA-DRB1 alleles were identified in the placebo group and only 9 in the BCG group.

Sources:

  • Research article: "Effect of BCG Revaccination on Occupationally Exposed Medical Personnel Vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2." Cells, 2021, 10(3179).
  • Journal: Cells (http://www.mdpi.com/journal/cells).
  • Publisher: MDPI AG.
  • Free version of the article: https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/cells10113179.
  • Authors: Espiridion Ramos-Martinez, Ramces Falfan-Valencia, Gloria Perez-Rubio, Warrison Athanasio Andrade, Jorge Rojas-Serrano, Enrique Ambrocio-Ortiz, Dennisse S. Galicia-Alvarez, Isaac Barcenas-Montiel, Andrea Velasco-Medina, Guillermo Velazquez-Samano.