This study aims to evaluate whether oral probiotic supplementation can modulate theimmune response induced by COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, the study will assess theeffects of probiotics on vaccine-induced antibody responses and cellular immuneresponses, and explore whether probiotics may enhance or accelerate immunity and reducevaccine-related adverse effects. A total of 140 participants are planned to be enrolled.
Large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccines effectively reduce
the incidence of COVID-19, as well as the risk of severe disease and mortality. These
protective effects are primarily mediated through vaccine-induced immune responses,
including both humoral immunity (antibody production) and cellular immunity.
Probiotics are widely recognized for their potential health benefits and are commonly
consumed in foods such as yogurt. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotic
supplementation may enhance immune responses to vaccination, as demonstrated in studies
involving influenza vaccines.
This study is designed to investigate whether oral probiotic supplementation can modulate
the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. The study will evaluate both antibody
responses and cellular immune responses following vaccination, and assess whether
probiotics can enhance or accelerate the development of vaccine-induced immunity. In
addition, the study will explore whether probiotic supplementation may reduce
vaccine-related adverse effects.
A total of 140 participants are planned to be enrolled in this study.
Dietary Supplement: Probiotics
Oral probiotic capsules containing Lactobacillus spp. administered once daily for 4-5
weeks following COVID-19 vaccination to evaluate immunomodulatory effects on
vaccine-induced immune responses.
Other Name: Lactobacillus spp.,Probiotic supplement,Lactic acid bacteria
Other: Placebo
Matching placebo capsules containing microcrystalline cellulose administered once daily
for 4-5 weeks following COVID-19 vaccination. The placebo is identical in appearance,
packaging, and schedule to the probiotic capsules.
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Male or female subject ≥ 20 to ≤ 65 years of age at the time signing informed
consent form.
2. Body weight ≥50 kgs
3. Must be scheduling to receive a BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
4. Being able to comply with the study protocol
5. Being able to independently provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Taking antibiotic at enrollment
2. Taking immunomodulatory (e.g., steroid) or anti-histamine drugs
3. Took pre- or probiotics within the past 30 days
4. Being to expected to take other probiotic supplement during the study period
5. Being expected to take antibiotic during the study period
6. A history of hypersensitivity or severe allergic reaction to any components of the
probiotics or placebo supplement
7. Pregnant or breastfeeding
8. Having a severe immunocompromised disorder (e.g. HIV infection)
9. Solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipients
10. Major gastrointestinal surgery within 3 months before enrollment
11. Having severe active gastrointestinal conditions, including inflammatory bowel
disease or diverticulitis
12. No self-reported symptoms of an upper airway infection with the past 2 weeks
13. A history of SARS-CoV-2 infection
14. Previously participated in investigational study involving SARS-CoV-2 vaccines or
therapies
Taipei Medical University Hospital.
Taipei, Taiwan
Not Provided