COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study of Plasma MicroRNAs Associated with Inflammatory Cytokines after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

Ching-Ju Shen; Yen-Pin Lin; Wei-Chun Chen; Mei-Hsiu Cheng; Jun-Jie Hong; Shu-Yu Hu; Ching-Fen Shen; Chao-Min Cheng

doi:10.3390/vaccines12060658

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study of Plasma MicroRNAs Associated with Inflammatory Cytokines after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination

Vaccines (Basel). 2024 Jun 14;12(6):658. doi: 10.3390/vaccines12060658.

Authors

Ching-Ju Shen¹, Yen-Pin Lin², Wei-Chun Chen^{2

3

4

5

6}, Mei-Hsiu Cheng⁷, Jun-Jie Hong⁷, Shu-Yu Hu², Ching-Fen Shen⁸, Chao-Min Cheng²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
² Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
³ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
⁴ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New Taipei City Municipal Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City 236, Taiwan.
⁵ International Intercollegiate Ph.D. Program, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan.
⁶ School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
⁷ Taiwan Business Development Department, Inti Taiwan, Inc., Hsinchu 302, Taiwan.
⁸ Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.

Abstract

Background: The impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the immunological profiles of pregnant women remains a crucial area of study. This research aims to explore the specific immunological changes triggered by these vaccines in this demographic.

Methods: In a focused investigation, we examined the effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination on microRNA expression in pregnant women. Key microRNAs, including miR-451a, miR-23a-3p, and miR-21-5p, were analyzed for expression changes post-vaccination. Additionally, we assessed variations in S1RBD IgG levels and specific cytokines to gauge the broader immunological response.

Results: Post-vaccination, significant expression shifts in the targeted microRNAs were observed. Alongside these changes, we noted alterations in S1RBD IgG and various cytokines, indicating an adapted inflammatory response. Notably, these immunological markers displayed no direct correlation with S1RBD IgG concentrations, suggesting a complex interaction between the vaccine and the immune system in pregnant women.

Conclusions: Our pilot study provides valuable insights into the nuanced effects of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on immune dynamics in pregnant women, particularly emphasizing the role of microRNAs. The findings illuminate the intricate interplay between vaccines, microRNAs, and immune responses, enhancing our understanding of these relationships in the context of pregnancy. This research contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge regarding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and their specific impact on maternal immunology, offering a foundation for further studies in this vital area.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine; S1RBD IgG; cytokine; mRNA vaccine; microRNA; pregnancy.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH111-1M33 and KMUH112-2M32), Taiwan’s National Tsing Hua University (113Q2302E1), and Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (112-2622-E-007-028).