Antibody dependent disease enhancement (ADE) after COVID-19 vaccination and beta glucans as a safer strategy in management

A potential risk associated with vaccines for COVID-19 is antibody-dependent disease enhancement (ADE) in which vaccine induced antibody mediated immune responses may lead to enhanced SARS CoV-2 acquisition or increased disease severity. Though ADE has not been clinically demonstrated with any of the COVID-19 vaccines so far, when neutralizing antibodies are suboptimal, the severity of COVID-19 has been reported to be greater. ADE is presumed to occur via abnormal macrophages induced by the vaccine based immune response by antibody-mediated virus uptake into Fc gamma receptor IIa (FccRIIa) or by the formation of Fc-mediated excessive antibody effector functions. Beta-glucans which are naturally occurring polysaccharides known for unique immunomodulation by capability to interact with macrophages, eliciting a specific beneficial immune-response and enhancing all arms of the immune system, importantly without over-activation are suggested as safer nutritional supplement-based vaccine adjuvants for COVID-19. (C) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A potential risk of COVID-19 vaccines is antibody-dependent disease enhancement (ADE), where vaccine-induced antibodies may enhance SARS-CoV-2 acquisition or increase disease severity. ADE is thought to occur through abnormal macrophages induced by the vaccine response or excessive antibody effector functions. Beta-glucans, natural polysaccharides known for immunomodulation, are suggested as safer vaccine adjuvants for COVID-19. They interact with macrophages, elicit beneficial immune responses, and enhance the immune system without over-activation.