Humoral immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in relation to selenium status

Abstract

The essential trace element selenium (Se) is of central importance for human health and particularly for a regular functioning of the immune system. In the context of the current pandemic, Se deficiency in patients with COVID-19 correlated with disease severity and mortality risk. Selenium has been reported to be associated with the immune response following vaccination, but it is unknown whether this also applies to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. In this observational study, adult health care workers (n = 126) who received two consecutive anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations by BNT162b2 were followed for up to 24 weeks, with blood samples collected at the first and second dose and at three and 21 weeks after the second dose. Serum SARS-CoV-2 IgG titres, neutralising antibody potency, total Se and selenoprotein P concentrations, and glutathione peroxidase 3 activity were quantified. All three biomarkers of Se status were significantly correlated at all the time points, and participants who reported supplemental Se intake displayed higher Se concentrations. SARS-CoV-2 IgG titres and neutralising potency were highest three weeks after the second dose and decreased towards the last sampling point. The humoral immune response was not related to any of the three Se status biomarkers. Supplemental Se intake had no effect at any time point on the vaccination response as measured by serum SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels or neutralising potency. Overall, no association was found between Se status or supplemental Se intake and humoral immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.

Serum Free Zinc Is Associated With Vaccination Response to SARS-CoV-2

“…All blood samples were collected from healthy adults participating in the observational ATORG Study ( 29 , 30 ). The authorities in Bavaria, Germany, provided ethical counselling (Ethik-Kommission der Bayerischen Landesärztekammer, Munich, Germany, EA No.…”

“…Serum samples were taken at four consecutive time points, i.e., at first dose of vaccination, at the time of second dose (n= 115) (week three), at week six (n=113) and at week 24 (n=56). The samples obtained were shipped on dry ice to the analytical laboratory in Berlin, Germany, and analysed by scientists and technicians blinded to the clinical data, essentially as described previously ( 29 , 30 ). All analyses were conducted at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, except for the analyses of free zinc, which was measured at Technische Universität Berlin.…”

“…The measurements of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 IgG and the assessment of neutralizing activity were described earlier (29,30).…”

Thyroid Dysfunction and COVID-19: The Emerging Role of Selenium in This Intermingled Relationship

“…Interestingly, the incorporation of SeNPs in diet and vaccine significantly increased the expression of IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ in blood cells in a dose-dependent manner, enhancing vaccine efficacy against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1A in chicken [ 143 ]. In a recent observational study aimed at investigating the potential correlation between Se status and antibody response following COVID-19 mRNA (BNT162b2) vaccination, 126 health care workers were administered two consecutive doses of vaccines and followed for up to 24 weeks [ 144 ]. The humoral immune response measured as SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers and neutralization potency of the serum on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at four time points (0, 3, 6, and 24 weeks) was compared between participants with self-reported Se supplementation and those not reporting recent Se supplemental intake, with no difference detected.…”

“…The humoral immune response measured as SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers and neutralization potency of the serum on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at four time points (0, 3, 6, and 24 weeks) was compared between participants with self-reported Se supplementation and those not reporting recent Se supplemental intake, with no difference detected. Furthermore, the correlation of SARS-CoV-2 titers with baseline total Se, the concentration of SELENOP, and GPx3 activity (all categorized per tertiles) was evaluated in both groups, and no significant differences were observed, except for a slight U-shaped difference for SELENOP at the second time point [ 144 ]. Nonetheless, all together, these findings suggest a role of Se on the immune system, opening interesting perspectives for further studies exploring the effects of baseline Se status on the immune response following COVID-19 vaccination with possible consequences on thyroid pathophysiology and whether Se supplementation before, concurrently, or after the vaccine, in subjects with an inadequate Se status may benefit the immune system and protect against thyroid dysfunction.…”