Anaphylactic Reactions Caused by the Covid-19 Vaccine Comirnaty in
Anti-PEG Hyperimmune Pigs: Implications for the Safety of mRNA-LNP-based
Vaccines and Other PEGylated Nanopharmaceuticals
Abstract
Background: mRNA-containing, PEGylated Covid-19 vaccines can cause
hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), or rarely, life-threatening
anaphylaxis in a small fraction of immunized people. A causal role of
anti-PEG antibodies (Abs) has been proposed but not yet proven in a
large animal model. Methods: Domestic pigs (n=6) were immunized with 0.1
mg/kg PEGylated liposome (Doxebo) i.v., and the rise of anti-PEG IgG and
IgM were measured in serial blood samples with ELISA. During the plateau
of seroconversion, in the 1-3 weeks postvaccination period, the animals
were injected i.v. with 1/3 human dose of the PEGylated mRNA vaccine,
Comirnaty, and the hemodynamic (PAP, SAP, pulse pressure),
cardiopulmonary (HR, EtCO2,), hematological (WBC, granulocyte,
lymphocyte and platelet counts) parameters and blood immune mediators
(anti-PEG IgM and IgG antibodies, thromboxane B2, C3a) were measured as
endpoints of anaphylaxis. Results: In about a week, the level of
anti-PEG IgM and IgG rose 5-10-thousand-fold in all of 6 pigs immunized
with Doxebo, after which time all animals developed anaphylactic shock
to i.v. injection of 1/3 human dose of Comirnaty. The reaction, starting
within 1 min, involved maximal pulmonary hypertension, decreased
systemic pulse amplitude, tachycardia, granulopenia and
thrombocytopenia. These physiological changes were paralleled by C3a and
TXB2 rises in blood and were absent in non-immunized pigs. Conclusions:
Consistent with previous studies, these data show a causal role of
anti-PEG Abs in the anaphylaxis to Comirnaty. Based on the involvement
of C activation and identity of symptoms with those observed in
pseudoallergy to PEGylated liposomes, the reaction represents C
activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA). The applied sensitization of
the porcine CARPA model may help better understand these reactions, and,
thus, make Comirnaty and other mRNA-LNP-based Vaccines and PEGylated
Nanopharmaceuticals safer.