Steroid induced secondary immune deficiency

Despite their widespread clinical use, oral corticosteroids (OCSs) are well known to be associated with a myriad of adverse effects, including immunosuppression. By inhibiting transcription factors and affecting leukocyte function, prolonged OCS use leads to significant CD4 lymphopenia, and also often leads to a decrease in serum IgG. Conversely, OCS use has minimal impact on circulating B cell, serum IgM, or serum IgA levels. Although there is a paucity of literature, individuals treated with prolonged OCS appear to typically maintain humoral response to various vaccinations despite hypogammaglobinemia, but this area warrant additional research, especially in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research