A recent study by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute has revealed a significant connection between the intestinal microbiota, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and the effectiveness of pneumonia vaccines. Published in the journal Science Advances, this work highlights a crucial finding: the absence of IgA can impair the immune system’s response to vaccines, particularly in individuals with immunodeficiency.
Researchers conducted an analysis using modified mouse models, focusing on evaluating the response to two types of pneumococcal vaccines, a pathogen known to cause pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Although these vaccines are generally effective, it was observed that individuals with IgA deficiency fail to adequately activate their immune system, leaving them vulnerable to severe respiratory infections.
IgA plays an essential role in regulating the intestinal microbiota, ensuring beneficial colonization in the body. However, its absence can lead to the proliferation of intestinal bacteria outside the intestines, causing an exaggerated and sustained immune response, thus depleting the body’s defensive capabilities. According to Dr. Andrea Cerutti, one of the leading researchers of the study, the scarcity of IgA reduces vaccine efficacy by inducing an exaggerated response from other antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG).
The study also emphasizes the importance of considering IgA deficiency in vaccination programs, as adverse effects can manifest from childhood. The authors suggest that early administration of IgA antibodies in individuals with deficiency could be beneficial in mitigating excessive immune response and improving vaccine efficacy.
The results of this study could have significant implications for vulnerable populations, such as adults over 65 years old, who are recommended to receive the pneumonia vaccine. It has been mentioned that clinical trials are currently underway to develop treatments aimed at addressing IgA deficiency.
This study was conducted in collaboration with several international research institutions, including the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, highlighting the global relevance of research in this field.
Source: MiMub in Spanish