Androgenetic alopecia may be associated with weaker COVID-19 T-cell immune response: An insight into a potential COVID-19 vaccine booster
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on humans, society, and the global economy. Returning to pre-pandemic activity hinges on the development of robust immunization against SARS-CoV-2.
Successful immunization through vaccination or post-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 largely depends on the adaptive immune response. In clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines, detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies is an accepted endpoint for establishing immune response.
Unfortunately, several studies have reported rapid decline in IgG titters following both SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Our recent work has explored the influence of the androgen receptor (AR) on COVID-19 disease severity.
We have elucidated that androgen sensitive phenotypes, e.g., androgenetic alopecia (AGA), are associated with increased disease severity [3]. Here we propose that the dependence of SARS-CoV-2 on the AR may extend to the immune response and might be an important consideration for vaccine development.