Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases receiving cytokine inhibitors have low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion

Nat Commun. 2020 Jul 24;11(1):3774. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-17703-6.

Abstract

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) of the joints, gut and skin are treated with inhibitors of inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Investigating anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in IMIDs we observe a reduced incidence of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in IMID patients treated with cytokine inhibitors compared to patients receiving no such inhibitors and two healthy control populations, despite similar social exposure. Hence, cytokine inhibitors seem to at least partially protect from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology*
  • Cytokines / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk
  • Seroconversion*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunosuppressive Agents