Preliminary study in the laboratory using blood samples from individuals who have received novel virus vaccine showed that addition of a beneficial bacteria consortia developed by CUHK is effective in reducing inflammatory cytokines and enhancing antibody level.

The gut microbiome controls our immunity and protects us from invasion from pathogens. Studies have shown that it also plays a vital role in immune response after vaccination. 

Healthy gut microbiome 

Reduced inflammatory response

Reduced side effects

Increased immune cells

Increased antibodies

Unhealthy gut microbiome

Increased inflammatory response

Increased side effects

Reduced immune cells

Reduced antibodies

Vaccine triggers the immune system to develop antibodies and memory cells to protect against future infections.  An unhealthy gut microbiome can hinder antibody production or lead to inflammatory cytokine storm, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Research from the Faculty also reported that almost 40% of people in Hong Kong had significant gut dysbiosis especially the elderly and patients with metabolic syndrome (people concerned about blood sugar), overweight or chronic diseases. 

To support the hypothesis that the gut microbiome can impact vaccine response and safety, CUHK team conducted a laboratory investigation. Researchers collected blood samples from subjects who recently received novel virus vaccination, whereby some of them had been taking the microbiome immunity formula developed by CUHK Team prior to vaccination.  Our preliminary findings showed that subjects who had been taking the microbiome immunity formula showed up to 80% lower concentration of inflammatory cytokine and a 1.5-fold higher proportion of B cell, a blood cell that produces antibodies, in their blood compared with a control group. 

Our immune system is a ‘double-edged sword’. Vaccines can stimulate our immune system to induce antibody formation to protect us, but a lack of good bacteria can tip the balance to overwhelm our immune response leading to unwanted adverse effects. As we await more safety data on existing vaccines or the development of new vaccines, it is important for people to improve their gut microbiota to optimize the safety and efficacy of novel virus vaccines, which is especially crucial for the elderly, patients with metabolic syndrome (people concerned about blood sugar), overweight or chronic diseases. .”

More﹕CU Medicine Study Shows Modulation of Gut Microbiota Helps Enhance Safety and Efficacy of Novel Virus Vaccine

https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cu-medicine-study-shows-modulation-of-gut-microbiota-helps-enhance-safety-and-efficacy-of-novel-virus-vaccine