Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025
Using Reference Reagents to Confirm Robustness of Cytokine Release Assays for the Prediction of Monoclonal Antibody Safety
Published on: September 15, 2023
Four cases of cytokine storm after COVID-19 vaccination: Case report
Kazuhiro Murata1,2, Naoki Nakao2, Naoki Ishiuchi1
1Center for Cause of Death Investigation Research Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
Abstract:
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the rapid development of vaccines against this disease. Despite the success of the international vaccination program, adverse events following vaccination, and the mechanisms behind them, remain poorly understood. Here we present four cases of death following receipt of a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with no obvious cause identified at autopsy. Using RNA sequencing, we identified genes that were differentially expressed between our post-vaccination cases and a control group that died of blood loss and strangulation. Three hundred and ninety genes were found to be upregulated and 115 genes were downregulated in post-vaccination cases compared with controls. Importantly, genes involved in neutrophil degranulation and cytokine signaling were upregulated. Our results suggest that immune dysregulation occurred following vaccination. Careful observation and care may be necessary if an abnormally high fever exceeding 40°C occurs after vaccination, even with antipyretic drugs.
Insights
Post-COVID-19 vaccination deaths showed immune system dysregulation. Gene expression analysis revealed significant changes in immune response pathways, suggesting a need for careful monitoring after vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genomics
- Pathology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic spurred rapid vaccine development.
- Adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and their mechanisms require further investigation.
Observation:
- Four cases of death post-COVID-19 vaccination, with no clear autopsy findings.
- RNA sequencing was used to compare gene expression in post-vaccination cases versus controls.
Findings:
- 390 genes upregulated and 115 downregulated in post-vaccination cases.
- Upregulated genes were linked to neutrophil degranulation and cytokine signaling.
- Suggests immune dysregulation following COVID-19 vaccination.
Implications:
- Immune dysregulation may occur after COVID-19 vaccination.
- High fever (>40°C) post-vaccination warrants careful observation, even with medication.
- Further research into vaccine safety and immune responses is crucial.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
01:51Vaccinations
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
01:22Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management