Immunomodulatory Effect of Probiotics on the Immunogenicity of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines

Grape King Bio Ltd.138 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to evaluate whether oral probiotic supplementation can modulate the immune response induced by COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, the study will assess the effects of probiotics on vaccine-induced antibody responses and cellular immune responses, and explore whether probiotics may enhance or accelerate immunity and reduce vaccine-related adverse effects. A total of 140 participants are planned to be enrolled.

Large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccines effectively reduce the incidence of COVID-19, as well as the risk of severe disease and mortality. These protective effects are primarily mediated through vaccine-induced immune responses, including both humoral immunity (antibody production) and cellular immunity. Probiotics are widely recognized for their potential health benefits and are commonly consumed in foods such as yogurt. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotic supplementation may enhance immune responses to vaccination, as demonstrated in studies involving influenza vaccines. This study is designed to investigate whether oral probiotic supplementation can modulate the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. The study will evaluate both antibody responses and cellular immune responses following vaccination, and assess whether probiotics can enhance or accelerate the development of vaccine-induced immunity. In addition, the study will explore whether probiotic supplementation may reduce vaccine-related adverse effects. A total of 140 participants are planned to be enrolled in this study.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

138

Conditions

COVID-19 Immune Response

Interventions

ProbioticsDIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Oral probiotic capsules containing Lactobacillus spp. administered once daily for 4-5 weeks following COVID-19 vaccination to evaluate immunomodulatory effects on vaccine-induced immune responses.

PlaceboOTHER

Matching placebo capsules containing microcrystalline cellulose administered once daily for 4-5 weeks following COVID-19 vaccination. The placebo is identical in appearance, packaging, and schedule to the probiotic capsules.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 65 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female subject ≥ 20 to ≤ 65 years of age at the time signing informed consent form. 2. Body weight ≥50 kgs 3. Must be scheduling to receive a BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 4. Being able to comply with the study protocol 5. Being able to independently provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Taking antibiotic at enrollment 2. Taking immunomodulatory (e.g., steroid) or anti-histamine drugs 3. Took pre- or probiotics within the past 30 days 4. Being to expected to take other probiotic supplement during the study period 5. Being expected to take antibiotic during the study period 6. A history of hypersensitivity or severe allergic reaction to any components of the probiotics or placebo supplement 7. Pregnant or breastfeeding 8. Having a severe immunocompromised disorder (e.g. HIV infection) 9. Solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipients 10. Major gastrointestinal surgery within 3 months before enrollment 11. Having severe active gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis 12. No self-reported symptoms of an upper airway infection with the past 2 weeks 13. A history of SARS-CoV-2 infection 14. Previously participated in investigational study involving SARS-CoV-2 vaccines or therapies

Locations (1)

Taipei Medical University Hospital.

Taipei, Taiwan

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific IgG antibody level

Change in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific IgG antibody levels following COVID-19 vaccination between probiotic and placebo groups.

Time frame: Baseline (Day 0-7 before vaccination), Day 14 (±4 days), and Day 28 (±4 days) after first dose of BNT162b2 vaccination

SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immune response at Day 14 after vaccination.

Assessment of vaccine-induced cellular immune response measured by antigen-specific T cell activation between probiotic and placebo groups.

Time frame: Baseline and Day 14 (±4 days) after vaccination

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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