The relation between rheumatoid arthritis, SARS-CoV-2, medication and vaccination

Teitsma, Greta Joke (2022) The relation between rheumatoid arthritis, SARS-CoV-2, medication and vaccination. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, attacking the joints throughout the body via autoantibodies. Various therapies are available for patients, including IL-6 and TNF inhibitors, anti-B cell therapy via anti-CD20 antibodies and inhibitors of the JAK/STAT pathway. As these drugs do not only inhibit the autoreactive antibodies, but also the other non-self-antibodies and may have an effect on T cells, the therapies also have an effect on the regular immune system of the patient. With the world in a state of the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, infections are more prone than before. This study focuses on the efficacy and safety of the available vaccines, as well as medication used to battle the COVID-19 disease. Serological values in RA patients postvaccination show a slower process in obtaining the same amount of specific IgGs, compared to healthy controls. Especially patients taking broad-spectrum medication encounter worse results post-vaccination than patients with a specific drug. Despite the lowered number of B cells present in many of the therapy forms, the T cell immune response is often comparable to that of healthy controls. Interestingly, baricitinib, RA medication, is also used in hospitals in a way to battle COVID-19.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Westra, J.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	11 Feb 2022 09:41
Last Modified:	11 Feb 2022 09:41
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/26584

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