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Author Spotlight: A Pseudotype Virus System for Assessing Omicron Subvariants and Neutralizing Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 Research
Published on: September 8, 2023
Durability of mRNA-1273-induced antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants
Amarendra Pegu1, Sarah O'Connell1, Stephen D Schmidt1
1Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda MD, USA.
Abstract:
SARS-CoV-2 mutations may diminish vaccine-induced protective immune responses, and the durability of such responses has not been previously reported. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the impact of variants B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.429, and B.1.526 on binding, neutralizing, and ACE2-blocking antibodies elicited by the vaccine mRNA-1273 over seven months. Cross-reactive neutralizing responses were rare after a single dose of mRNA-1273. At the peak of response to the second dose, all subjects had robust responses to all variants. Binding and functional antibodies against variants persisted in most subjects, albeit at low levels, for 6 months after the primary series of mRNA-1273. Across all assays, B.1.351 had the greatest impact on antibody recognition, and B.1.1.7 the least. These data complement ongoing studies of clinical protection to inform the potential need for additional boost vaccinations.
One-Sentence Summary:
Most mRNA-1273 vaccinated individuals maintained binding and functional antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants for 6 months.
Insights
Most individuals vaccinated with mRNA-1273 maintained antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants for six months. Antibody responses showed variability against different variants, with B.1.351 having the greatest impact.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- SARS-CoV-2 variants pose a threat to vaccine-induced immunity.
- The durability of immune responses against these variants after mRNA-1273 vaccination is not well-established.
Approach:
- Assessed the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants (B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.429, B.1.526) on antibodies elicited by mRNA-1273.
- Measured antibody binding, neutralization, and ACE2-blocking activity over seven months.
- Evaluated responses after primary vaccination series and across different variants.
Key Points:
- Robust antibody responses against all tested variants were observed after the second mRNA-1273 dose.
- Binding and functional antibodies against variants persisted for at least 6 months post-vaccination, though at reduced levels.
- The B.1.351 variant showed the greatest reduction in antibody recognition, while B.1.1.7 had the least impact.
Conclusions:
- mRNA-1273 vaccination elicits broad antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Immune responses demonstrate durability for at least six months, with some variant-specific variability.
- Findings inform the need for potential booster vaccinations to maintain protection against evolving SARS-CoV-2 strains.
