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Durability of humoral immune responses to rubella following MMR vaccination

Stephen N Crooke1, Marguerite M Riggenbach1, Inna G Ovsyannikova1

  • 1Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

Vaccine
|November 16, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Humoral immunity to the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine wanes over time but remains protective. Rubella-specific antibody titers and memory B cell responses decline moderately, with faster declines observed in men.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Virology

Background:

  • The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR-II®) vaccine effectively prevents rubella infection.
  • Durability of rubella-specific humoral immunity in adolescents and adults post-MMR vaccination is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the long-term durability of rubella virus (RV)-specific humoral immunity after two doses of the MMR-II® vaccine.
  • To evaluate antibody titers and memory B cell responses at approximately 7 and 17 years post-vaccination.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 98 healthy adolescents and young adults.
  • Measurement of RV-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies using ELISA and neutralization assays.
  • Assessment of RV-specific memory B cell responses via ELISpot.

Main Results:

  • Rubella-specific IgG antibody titers, neutralizing antibody titers, and memory B cell responses showed a moderate decline over time.
  • Memory B cell responses declined more significantly in males compared to females.
  • Antibody titers remained above the established protective immunity threshold.

Conclusions:

  • Humoral immunity to rubella following MMR-II® vaccination gradually declines but persists above protective levels.
  • Further research is needed to define clinical correlates of protection based on neutralizing antibody titers and memory B cell responses.
Keywords:
AntibodiesHumoral immunityMMR-II vaccineRubellaRubella vaccineWaning immunity

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