Summary

Large-scale COVID-19 vaccinations are currently underway in many countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we report, besides generation of neutralizing antibodies, consistent alterations in hemoglobin A1c, serum sodium and potassium levels, coagulation profiles, and renal functions in healthy volunteers after vaccination with an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Similar changes had also been reported in COVID-19 patients, suggesting that vaccination mimicked an infection. Single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) before and 28 days after the first inoculation also revealed consistent alterations in gene expression of many different immune cell types. Reduction of CD8+ T cells and increase in classic monocyte contents were exemplary. Moreover, scRNA-seq revealed increased NF-κB signaling and reduced type I interferon responses, which were confirmed by biological assays and also had been reported to occur after SARS-CoV-2 infection with aggravating symptoms. Altogether, our study recommends additional caution when vaccinating people with pre-existing clinical conditions, including diabetes, electrolyte imbalances, renal dysfunction, and coagulation disorders.

Overall design

Single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before and 28 days after the vaccination.

Contributors

Jiping Liu†, Junbang Wang†, Jinfang Xu†, Han Xia†, Yue Wang†, Congrong Wang✉️, Yi E. Sun✉️, Zhongmin Liu✉️

Contact

crwang@tongji.edu.cn (Congrong Wang), yi.eve.sun@gmail.com (Yi E. Sun), liu.zhongmin@tongji.edu.cn (Zhongmin Liu)