Inflammatory tissue priming: novel insights and therapeutic opportunities for inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Due to optimised treatment strategies and the availability of new therapies during the last decades, formerly devastating chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis (SSc) have become less menacing. However, in many patients, even state-of-the-art treatment cannot induce remission. Moreover, the risk for flares strongly increases once anti-inflammatory therapy is tapered or withdrawn, suggesting that underlying pathological processes remain active even in the absence of overt inflammation. It has become evident that tissues have the ability to remember past encounters with pathogens, wounds and other irritants, and to react more strongly and/or persistently to the next occurrence. This priming of the tissue bears a paramount role in defence from microbes, but on the other hand drives inflammatory pathologies (the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde aspect of tissue adaptation). Emerging evidence suggests that long-lived tissue-resident cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, long-lived plasma cells and tissue-resident memory T cells, determine inflammatory tissue priming in an interplay with infiltrating immune cells of lymphoid and myeloid origin, and with systemically acting factors such as cytokines, extracellular vesicles and antibodies. Here, we review the current state of science on inflammatory tissue priming, focusing on tissue-resident and tissue-occupying cells in arthritis and SSc, and reflect on the most promising treatment options targeting the maladapted tissue response during these diseases.

FAPi PET/CT for assessment and visualisation of active myositis-related interstitial lung disease: a prospective observational pilot study.

Background: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common manifestation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) and a substantial contributor to hospitalisation, increased morbidity, and mortality. In-vivo evidence of ongoing tissue remodelling in IIM-ILD is scarce. We aimed to evaluate fibroblast activation in lungs of IIM-patients and control individuals using 68Ga-labelled inhibitor of Fibroblast-Activation-Protein (FAPi) based positronic emission tomography and computed tomography imaging (PET/CT). Methods: In this prospective observational pilot study, consecutive patients with IIM and participants without rheumatic conditions or ILD serving as a control group were recruited at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, and underwent FAPi PET/CT imaging. Standard-of-care procedures including clinical examination, assessment of severity of dyspnoea, high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT), and pulmonary function testing (PFT) were performed on all patients with IIM at baseline and for patients with IIM-ILD at follow-up of 12 months. Baseline pulmonary FAPi-uptake was assessed by the maximum (SUVmax) and mean (SUVmean) standardized uptake values (SUV) over the whole lung (wl). SUV was corrected for blood pool background activity and target-to-background ratios (TBR) were calculated. We compared pulmonary FAPi-uptake between patients with IIM-ILD and those without ILD, as well as controls, and correlated baseline FAP-uptake with standard diagnostic tools such as HR-CT and PFT. For predictive implications, we investigated whether patients with IIM and progressive ILD exhibited higher baseline FAPi-uptake compared to those with stable ILD. Metrics are reported as mean with standard deviation (±SD). Findings: Between November 16, 2021 and October 10, 2022, a total of 32 patients were enrolled in the study. Three participants from the control group were excluded due to cardiopulmonary disease. In individuals with IIM-ILD (n = 14), wlTBRmax and wlTBRmean were significantly increased as compared with both non-ILD-IIM patients (n = 5) and the control group (n = 16): wlTBRmax: 2.06 ± 1.04 vs. 1.04 ± 0.22 (p = 0.019) and 1.08 ± 0.19 (p = 0.0012) and wlTBRmean: 0.45 ± 0.19 vs. 0.26 ± 0.06 (p = 0.025) and 0.27 ± 0.07 (p = 0.0024). Similar values were observed in wlTBRmax or wlTBRmean between non-ILD IIM patients and the control group. Patients with progressive ILD displayed significantly enhanced wlTBRmax and wlTBRmean values at baseline compared to patients with stable ILD: wlTBRmax: 1.30 ± 0.31 vs. 2.63 ± 1.04 (p = 0.0084) and wlTBRmean: 0.32 ± 0.08 vs. 0.55 ± 0.19 (p = 0.021). Strong correlations were found between FAPi-uptake and disease extent on HR-CT (wlTBRmax: R = 0.42, p = 0.07; wlTBRmean: R = 0.56, p = 0.013) and severity of respiratory symptoms determined by the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification tool (wlTBRmax: R = 0.52, p = 0.022; wlTBRmean: R = 0.59, p = 0.0073). Further, pulmonary FAPi-uptake showed inverse correlation with forced vital capacity (FVC) (wlTBRmax: R = -0.56, p = 0.012; wlTBRmean: R = -0.64, p = 0.0033) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (wlTBRmax: R = -0.52, p = 0.028; wlTBRmean: R = -0.68, p = 0.0017). Interpretation: Our study demonstrates higher fibroblast activation in patients with IIM-ILD compared to non-ILD patients and controls. Intensity of pulmonary FAPi accumulation was associated with progression of ILD. Considering that this study was carried out on a small population, FAPi PET/CT may serve as a useful non-invasive tool for risk stratification of lung disease in IIM. Funding: The Austrian Research Fund.

Immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 booster vaccination: A population-based clinical trial to identify the best vaccination strategy.

BACKGROUND: Various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs) characterized by higher transmissibility and immune evasion have emerged. Despite reduced vaccine efficacy against VOCs, currently available vaccines provide protection. Population-based evidence on the humoral immune response after booster vaccination is crucial to guide future vaccination strategies and in preparation for imminent COVID-19 waves. METHODS: This multicenter, population-based cohort study included 4697 individuals ≥18 years of age who received a booster vaccination. Antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and neutralizing antibodies against wild-type (WT) virus and Omicron variants were assessed at baseline (day of booster vaccination) and after four weeks. Safety was evaluated daily within the first week using a participant-completed electronic diary. Antibody levels were compared across different vaccination strategies, taking into account individual host factors. RESULTS: Our main model including 3838 participants revealed that individuals who received a booster with mRNA-1273 compared to BNT162b2 vaccine had a significantly higher increase (95 %CI) in anti-RBD-antibody levels (37,707 BAU/mL [34,575-40,839] vs. 27,176 BAU/mL [26,265-28,087]), and of neutralization levels against WT (1,681 [1490-1872] vs. 1141 [1004-1278] and Omicron variant (422 [369-474] vs. 329 [284-374]). Neutralizing antibody titres highly correlated with anti-RBD antibodies, with neutralizing capacity 4.4 fold higher against WT compared to Omicron. No differences in safety were found between the two booster vaccines. CONCLUSION: Our study underlines the superiority of a booster vaccination with mRNA-1273, independent of the primary vaccination and therefore provides guidance on the vaccination strategy.

Impact of muscle biopsy on the clinical decision-making process in patients with suspected idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.

BACKGROUND: The significance of muscle biopsy as a diagnostic tool in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) remains elusive. We aimed to determine the diagnostic weight that has been given to muscle biopsy in patients with suspected IIM, particularly in terms of clinical diagnosis and therapeutic decisions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective multicentric study, we analyzed muscle biopsy results of adult patients with suspected IIM referred to a tertiary center between January 1, 2007, and October 31, 2021. Information regarding referral department, suspected diagnosis, biopsy site, demographic, clinical, laboratory data, and imaging results were extracted. Statistical analyses included the level of agreement between suspected and histological diagnosis and calculation of diagnostic performance (positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios, sensitivity, and specificity of muscle biopsy in relation to clinical diagnosis and/or treatment initiation). Performance was tested in different strata based on clinical pre-test probability. RESULTS: Among 758 muscle biopsies, IIM was histologically compatible in 357/758 (47.1%) cases. Proportion of IIM was higher if there was a solid clinical pre-test probability (64.3% vs. 42.4% vs. 48% for high, medium and low pre-test probability). Sensitivity and specificity of muscle biopsy were highest (82%) when the diagnosis by the clinician was used as outcome scenario. Negative predictive value was only moderate (between 63% and 80%) and lowest if autoantibodies were positive (35%). CONCLUSION: In patients with clinically suspected IIM, approximately 50% of biopsies revealed features indicative of IIM. Diagnostic performance of muscle biopsy was moderate to high depending on clinical pre-test probability.

Selectivity, efficacy and safety of JAKinibs: new evidence for a still evolving story.

Fundamental insight gained over the last decades led to the discovery of cytokines as pivotal drivers of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis/psoriasis arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, atopic dermatitis and spondylarthritis. A deeper understanding of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of various cytokines has prompted new cytokine-targeting therapies, which revolutionised the treatment options in the last years for patients with inflammatory disorders. Disease-associated immune responses typically involve a complex interplay of multiple cytokines. Therefore, blockade of one single cytokine does not necessarily lead to a persistent remission in all patients with inflammatory disorders and fostered new therapeutic strategies targeting intracellular pathways shared by multiple cytokines. By inhibiting JAK-STAT signalling pathways common to families of cytokines, JAK-inhibitors (JAKinibs) have created a new paradigm for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Multiple agents have been approved for various disorders and more are being investigated for several new indications. Second-generation selective JAKinibs have been devised with the aim to achieve an increased selectivity and a possible reduced risk of side effects. In the current review, we will summarise the current body of evidence of pan versus selective JAKinibs and the most recent insights on new side effects and indications, including COVID-19.

Amino Acids Fueling Fibroblast-Like Synoviocyte Activation and Arthritis By Regulating Chemokine Expression and Leukocyte Migration.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the impact of amino acid (AA) availability on the inflammatory response in arthritis. METHODS: We stimulated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the presence or absence of proteinogenic AAs and measured their response by QuantSeq 3' messenger RNA sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Signal transduction events were determined by Western blot. We performed K/BxN serum transfer arthritis in mice receiving a normal and a low-protein diet and analyzed arthritis clinically and histologically. RESULTS: Deprivation of AAs decreased the expression of a specific subset of genes, including the chemokines CXCL10, CCL2, and CCL5 in TNF-stimulated FLSs. Mechanistically, the presence of AAs was required for the TNF-induced activation of an interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1)-STAT1 signaling circuit that drives the expression of chemotactic factors. The expression of IRF1 and the IRF1-dependent gene set in FLSs was highly correlated with the presence of inflammatory cells in human RA, emphasizing the important role of this AA-dependent pathway in inflammatory cell recruitment to the synovial tissue. Finally, we show that mice receiving a low-protein diet expressed less IRF1 in the inflamed synovium and consequently developed reduced clinical and histologic signs of arthritis. CONCLUSION: AA deprivation reduces the severity of arthritis by suppressing the expression of IRF1-STAT1-driven chemokines, which are crucial for leukocyte recruitment to the arthritic joint. Overall, our study provides novel insights into critical determinants of inflammatory arthritis and may pave the way for dietary intervention trials in RA.

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Rin-like controls Tfh cell differentiation via CD28 signaling.

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are essential for the development of germinal center B cells and high-affinity antibody-producing B cells in humans and mice. Here, we identify the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Rin-like (Rinl) as a negative regulator of Tfh generation. Loss of Rinl leads to an increase of Tfh in aging, upon in vivo immunization and acute LCMV Armstrong infection in mice, and in human CD4+ T cell in vitro cultures. Mechanistically, adoptive transfer experiments using WT and Rinl-KO naïve CD4+ T cells unraveled T cell-intrinsic GEF-dependent functions of Rinl. Further, Rinl regulates CD28 internalization and signaling, thereby shaping CD4+ T cell activation and differentiation. Thus, our results identify the GEF Rinl as a negative regulator of global Tfh differentiation in an immunological context and species-independent manner, and furthermore, connect Rinl with CD28 internalization and signaling pathways in CD4+ T cells, demonstrating for the first time the importance of endocytic processes for Tfh differentiation.

Cytokine-directed cellular cross-talk imprints synovial pathotypes in rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Structural reorganisation of the synovium with expansion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and influx of immune cells is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Activated FLS are increasingly recognised as a critical component driving synovial tissue remodelling by interacting with immune cells resulting in distinct synovial pathotypes of RA. METHODS: Automated high-content fluorescence microscopy of co-cultured cytokine-activated FLS and autologous peripheral CD4+ T cells from patients with RA was established to quantify cell-cell interactions. Phenotypic profiling of cytokine-treated FLS and co-cultured T cells was done by flow cytometry and RNA-Seq, which were integrated with publicly available transcriptomic data from patients with different histological synovial pathotypes. Computational prediction and knock-down experiments were performed in FLS to identify adhesion molecules for cell-cell interaction. RESULTS: Cytokine stimulation, especially with TNF-α, led to enhanced FLS-T cell interaction resulting in cell-cell contact-dependent activation, proliferation and differentiation of T cells. Signatures of cytokine-activated FLS were significantly enriched in RA synovial tissues defined as lymphoid-rich or leucocyte-rich pathotypes, with the most prominent effects for TNF-α. FLS cytokine signatures correlated with the number of infiltrating CD4+ T cells in synovial tissue of patients with RA. Ligand-receptor pair interaction analysis identified ICAM1 on FLS as an important mediator in TNF-mediated FLS-T cell interaction. Both, ICAM1 and its receptors were overexpressed in TNF-treated FLS and co-cultured T cells. Knock-down of ICAM1 in FLS resulted in reduced TNF-mediated FLS-T cell interaction. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the role of cytokine-activated FLS in orchestrating inflammation-associated synovial pathotypes providing novel insights into disease mechanisms of RA.

Advanced immunophenotyping: A powerful tool for immune profiling, drug screening, and a personalized treatment approach.

Various autoimmune diseases are characterized by distinct cell subset distributions and activation profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs can therefore serve as an ideal biomarker material, which is easily accessible and allows for screening of multiple cell types. A detailed understanding of the immune landscape is critical for the diagnosis of patients with autoimmune diseases, as well as for a personalized treatment approach. In our study, we investigate the potential of multi-parameter spectral flow cytometry for the identification of patients suffering from autoimmune diseases and its power as an evaluation tool for in vitro drug screening approaches (advanced immunophenotyping). We designed a combination of two 22-color immunophenotyping panels for profiling cell subset distribution and cell activation. Downstream bioinformatics analyses included percentages of individual cell populations and median fluorescent intensity of defined markers which were then visualized as heatmaps and in dimensionality reduction approaches. In vitro testing of epigenetic immunomodulatory drugs revealed an altered activation status upon treatment, which supports the use of spectral flow cytometry as a high-throughput drug screening tool. Advanced immunophenotyping might support the exploration of novel therapeutic drugs and contribute to future personalized treatment approaches in autoimmune diseases and beyond.

Accelerated waning of immune responses to a third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

BACKGROUND: A 3rd COVID-19 vaccination is currently recommended for patients under immunosuppression. However, a fast decline of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein has been observed. Currently it remains unclear whether immunosuppressive therapy affects kinetics of humoral and cellular immune responses. METHODS: 50 patients under immunosuppression and 42 healthy controls (HCs) received a 3rd dose of an mRNA-based vaccine and were monitored over a 12-weeks period. Humoral immune response was assessed 4 and 12 weeks after 3rd dose. Antibodies were quantified using the Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike immunoassay against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses were quantified by IFN-γ ELISpot assays. Adverse events, including SARS-CoV-2 infections, were monitored over a 12-week period. RESULTS: At week 12, reduced anti-RBD antibody levels were observed in IMID patients as compared to HCs (median antibody level 5345 BAU/ml [1781-10,208] versus 9650 BAU/ml [6633-16,050], p < 0.001). Reduction in relative antibody levels was significantly higher in IMID patients as compared to HCs at week 12 (p < 0.001). Lowest anti-RBD antibody levels were detected in IMID patients who received biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or a combination therapy with conventional synthetic and biological DMARDs. Number of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells against wildtype and Omicron variants remained stable over 12 weeks in IMID patients. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Due to a fast decline in anti-RBD antibodies in IMID patients an early 4th vaccination should be considered in this vulnerable group of patients.

Reduced immunogenicity of BNT162b2 booster vaccination in combination with a tetravalent influenza vaccination: results of a prospective cohort study in 838 health workers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immunogenicity and safety of BNT162b2 booster vaccination with and without a tetravalent influenza vaccine. METHODS: A prospective, open-label cohort study on immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 booster vaccination with or without a tetravalent influenza vaccine was performed. Eight hundred thirty-eight health care workers were included in the following study arms: BNT162b2 booster-only, influenza-vaccine-only or combination of both. Levels of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain, and haemagglutinin inhibition tested for four different influenza strains (A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), B/Victoria, B/Yamagata) were measured at the time of vaccination and 4 weeks later. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, median (interquartile range) levels of antibodies against the receptor binding domain of the viral spike (S) protein and relative change from baseline were high in individuals who received BNTb162b2 booster vaccination only (absolute: 16 600 [10 980-24 360] vs. 12 630 [8198-18 750] BAU/mL [p < 0.0001]; relative increase: 49% [23.6-95.3] vs. 40% [21.9-80.6] [p 0.048]; booster-only n = 521 vs. combination-arm n = 229 respectively). Results were confirmed after matching for sex, age, body mass index, baseline antibody levels and vaccine compound received for primary immunization (absolute: 13 930 [10 610-22 760] vs. 12 520 [8710-17 940]; [p 0.031]; relative increase: 55.7% [27.8-98.5] vs. 42.2% [22.9-74.5]; p 0.045). Adverse events were almost identical in the booster-only and the combination-arm, but numerically low in the influenza arm (525/536 [97.9%] vs. 235/240 [97.9%] vs. 26/33 [78.8 %]). DISCUSSION: Although no safety concerns occurred, our study provides evidence on reduced immunogenicity of a BNT162b2 booster vaccination in combination with a tetravalent influenza vaccine. Further studies investigating new influenza variants as well as potential differences vaccine effectiveness are needed.

Safety and immunogenicity of a third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases compared with healthy controls.

OBJECTIVES: A third COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for immunosuppressed patients. However, data on immunogenicity and safety of a third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are sparse and therefore addressed within this clinical trial. METHODS: 60 immunosuppressed patients and 48 healthy controls (HCs) received a third vaccination with an mRNA vaccine. The primary endpoint was defined as the presence of antibody levels against the receptor-binding domain (RBD)>1500 BAU/mL in patients with IMIDs versus HCs. Further endpoints included differences in neutralising antibodies and cellular immune responses after the third vaccination. Reactogenicity was recorded for 7 days, and safety was evaluated until week 4. RESULTS: Rate of individuals with anti-RBD antibodies>1500 BAU/mL was not significantly different after the third vaccination between patients with IMIDs and HCs (91% vs 100% p=0.101). Anti-RBD and neutralising antibody levels were significantly lower in patients with IMIDs after the third vaccination than in HCs (p=0.002 and p=0.016, respectively). In contrast, fold increase in antibody levels between week 0 and 4 was higher in patients with IMIDs. Treatment with biological (b) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) or combination of bDMARDs and conventional synthetic DMARDs was associated with reduced antibody levels. Enhanced cellular immune response to wild type and Omicron peptide stimulation was observed after the third vaccination. No serious adverse event was attributed to the third vaccination. CONCLUSION: Our clinical trial data support the immunogenicity and safety of a third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IMIDs. However, effects of DMARD therapy on immunogenicity should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: EudraCT No: 2021-002693-10.

[National consensus statement by the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology regarding the management of latent tuberculosis and the associated utilization of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDS (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs)]. / Consensus Statement der Österreichischen Gesellschaften für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation, Pneumologie, Infektiologie, Dermatologie und Gastroenterologie zum Umgang mit latenter Tuberkulose bei Therapien mit biologischen oder "targeted synthetic" DMARDs ("disease modifying antirheumatic drugs").

This nationwide Austrian consensus statement summarizes the recommendations on the management of latent tuberculosis by treatment with biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs. The essential questions with respect to screening and preventive treatment were discussed by experts from the disciplines of rheumatology, pneumology, infectious diseases, dermatology and gastroenterology, based on the available data, and then a joint consensus was formed by agreement. This involved a differentiated discussion on the various forms of treatment, and clear recommendations were formulated.

Multiparametric Prediction Models for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Selection: Results of a Comparative Population-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: An understanding vaccine-dependent effects on protective and sustained humoral immune response is crucial to planning future vaccination strategies against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: In this multicenter, population-based, cohort study including 4601 individuals after primary vaccination against COVID-19 ≥ 4 months earlier we compared factors associated with residual antibody levels against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) across different vaccination strategies (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, or ChAdOx1). RESULTS: Our main model including 3787 individuals (2 × BNT162b2, n = 2271; 2 × mRNA-1273, n = 251; 2 × ChAdOx1, n = 1265), predicted significantly lower levels of anti-RBD antibodies after 6 months in individuals vaccinated with ChAdOx1 (392.7 binding antibody units per milliliter [BAU/mL]) compared with those vaccinated with BNT162b2 (1179.5 BAU/mL) or mRNA-1273 (2098.2 BAU/mL). Vaccine-dependent association of antibody levels was found for age with a significant predicted difference in BAU/ml per year for BNT162b2 (-21.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], -24.7 to -18.3) and no significant association for mRNA-1273 (-4.0; 95% CI, -20.0 to 12.1) or ChAdOx1 (1.7; 95% CI, .2 to 3.1). The predicted decrease over time since full immunization was highest in mRNA-1273 (-23.4; 95% CI, -31.4 to -15.4) compared with BNT162b2 (-5.9; 95% CI, -7 to -4.8). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed population-based evidence of vaccine-dependent effects of age and time since full immunization on humoral immune response. Findings underline the importance of individualized vaccine selection, especially in elderly individuals.

Reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the second COVID-19 vaccination in patients with inborn errors of immunity or mannan-binding lectin deficiency.

Background: Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are at increased risk for severe courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 vaccination provides effective protection in healthy individuals. However, it remains unclear whether vaccination is efficient and safe in patients with constitutional dysfunctions of the immune system. Thus, we analyzed the humoral response, adverse reactions and assessed the disease activity of the underlying disease after COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of patients suffering from IEIs or mannan-binding lectin deficiency (MBLdef). Methods: Vaccination response was assessed after basic immunization using the Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay and via Vero E6 cell based assay to detect neutralization capabilities. Phenotyping of lymphocytes was performed by flow cytometry. Patient charts were reviewed for disease activity, autoimmune phenomena as well as immunization status and reactogenicity of the vaccination. Activity of the underlying disease was assessed using a patient global numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: Our cohort included 11 individuals with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), one patient with warts hypogammaglobulinemia immunodeficiency myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome, two patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), one patient with Muckle Wells syndrome, two patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, one patient with Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) receptor defect, one patient with selective deficiency in pneumococcal antibody response combined with a low MBL level and seven patients with severe MBL deficiency. COVID-19 vaccination was generally well tolerated with little to no triggering of autoimmune phenomena. 20 out of 26 patients developed an adequate humoral vaccine response. 9 out of 11 patients developed a T cell response comparable to healthy control subjects. Tested immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) preparations contained Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies implicating additional protection through IgRT. Summary: In summary the data support the efficacy and safety of a COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IEIs/MBLdef. We recommend evaluation of the humoral immune response and testing for virus neutralization after vaccination in this cohort.

Heterologous vector versus homologous mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccination in non-seroconverted immunosuppressed patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Impaired response to COVID-19 vaccination is of particular concern in immunosuppressed patients. To determine the best vaccination strategy for this vulnerable group we performed a single center, 1:1 randomized blinded clinical trial. Patients who failed to seroconvert upon two mRNA vaccinations (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273) are randomized to receive either a third dose of the same mRNA or the vector vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. Primary endpoint is the difference in SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody seroconversion rate between vector and mRNA vaccinated patients four weeks after the third dose. Secondary outcomes include cellular immune responses. Seroconversion rates at week four are significantly higher in the mRNA (homologous vaccination, 15/24, 63%) as compared to the vector vaccine group (heterologous vaccination, 4/22, 18%). SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses are reduced but could be increased after a third dose of either vector or mRNA vaccine. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, patient age and vaccine type are associated with seroconversion. No serious adverse event is attributed to COVID-19 booster vaccination. Efficacy and safety data underline the importance of a booster vaccination and support the use of a homologous mRNA booster vaccination in immunosuppressed patients.Trial registration: EudraCT No.: 2021-002693-10.

Immunogenicity and safety of a fourth COVID-19 vaccination in rituximab-treated patients: an open-label extension study.

OBJECTIVES: Patients under rituximab therapy are at high risk for a severe COVID-19 disease course. Humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are vastly diminished in B-cell-depleted patients, even after a third vaccine dose. However, it remains unclear whether these patients benefit from a fourth vaccination and whether continued rituximab therapy affects antibody development. METHODS: In this open-label extension trial, 37 rituximab-treated patients who received a third dose with either a vector or mRNA-based vaccine were vaccinated a fourth time with an mRNA-based vaccine (mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2). Key endpoints included the humoral and cellular immune response as well as safety after a fourth vaccination. RESULTS: The number of patients who seroconverted increased from 12/36 (33%) to 21/36 (58%) following the fourth COVID-19 vaccination. In patients with detectable antibodies to the spike protein's receptor-binding domain (median: 8.0 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL (quartiles: 0.4; 13.8)), elevated levels were observed after the fourth vaccination (134.0 BAU/mL (quartiles: 25.5; 1026.0)). Seroconversion and antibody increase were strongly diminished in patients who received rituximab treatment between the third and the fourth vaccination. The cellular immune response declined 12 weeks after the third vaccination, but could only be slightly enhanced by a fourth vaccination. No unexpected safety signals were detected, one serious adverse event not related to vaccination occurred. CONCLUSIONS: A fourth vaccine dose is immunogenic in a fraction of rituximab-treated patients. Continuation of rituximab treatment reduced humoral immune response, suggesting that rituximab affects a second booster vaccination. It might therefore be considered to postpone rituximab treatment in clinically stable patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2021-002348-57.

National consensus statement by the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology regarding the management of latent tuberculosis and the associated utilization of biologic and targeted synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

This publication provides a thorough analysis of the most relevant topics concerning the management of latent tuberculosis when using biologic and targeted synthetic Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) by a multidisciplinary, select committee of Austrian physicians. The committee includes members of the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology. Consensus was reached on issues regarding screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis and includes separate recommendations for each biologic and targeted synthetic DMARD.

Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Remaining Challenge.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, which affects a wide range of organs with variable clinical features. Involvement of the nervous system is a challenging and multifaceted manifestation of the disease, presenting with a broad range of symptoms. Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) encompasses seven syndromes of the peripheral and 12 of the central nervous system, associated with a high disease burden. Despite advances in the management of SLE, NP manifestations still pose a challenge to clinicians. First, diagnosis and attribution of SLE are difficult due to the lack of specific biomarkers or imaging modalities. Second, therapeutic options are limited, and evidence is mainly based on case reports and expert consensus, as clinical trials are sparse. Moreover, no validated outcome measure on disease activity exists. Current recommendations for treatment include supportive as well as immunosuppressive medication, depending on the type and severity of manifestations. As NPSLE manifestations are increasingly recognized, a broader spectrum of therapeutic options can be expected.

TNFR2 is critical for TNF-induced rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocyte inflammation.

OBJECTIVES: TNF-induced activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) is a critical determinant for synovial inflammation and joint destruction in RA. The detrimental role of TNF-receptor 1 (TNFR1) has thoroughly been characterized. The contributions of TNFR2, however, are largely unknown. This study was performed to delineate the role of TNFR2 in human FLS activation. METHODS: TNFR2 expression in synovial tissue samples was determined by immunohistochemistry. Expression of TNFR2 was silenced using RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 technologies. Global transcriptional changes were determined by RNA-seq. QPCR, ELISA and immunoblotting were used to validate RNA-seq results and to uncover pathways operating downstream of TNFR2 in FLS. RESULTS: TNFR2 expression was increased in RA when compared with OA synovial tissues. In particular, RA-FLS demonstrated higher levels of TNFR2 when compared with OA-FLS. TNFR2 expression in RA-FLS correlated with RA disease activity, synovial T- and B-cell infiltration. TNF and IL1ß were identified as inflammatory mediators that upregulate TNFR2 in RA-FLS. Silencing of TNFR2 in RA-FLS markedly diminished the TNF-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including CXCR3-binding chemokines and the B-cell activating factor TNFSF13B. Immunobiochemical analyses revealed that TNFR2-mediated expression of inflammatory mediators critically depends on STAT1. CONCLUSION: Our results define a critical role for TNFR2 in FLS-driven inflammation and unfold its participation in the unresolved course of synovial inflammation in RA.