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mRNA Vaccines Enhance Neutralizing Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Convalescent and ChAdOx1-Primed Subjects
Dorit Fabricius1, Carolin Ludwig1, Judith Scholz1
1Division of Immune Cell Therapeutics, Institute of Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics, Helmholtzstrasse 10, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
Vaccines
|August 28, 2021
Summary
mRNA vaccines provide superior SARS-CoV-2 protection compared to vector vaccines, even against variants of concern. Booster doses with mRNA vaccines significantly enhance neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity in all individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Virology
Background:
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) necessitates evaluating vaccine efficacy.
- Understanding the comparative immunological responses to different vaccine platforms is crucial for optimizing protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the immunological protection elicited by mRNA (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273) and vector (ChAdOx1-nCoV-19) vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, including VOCs.
- To assess the impact of vaccination regimens, combinations, and convalescence on immune responses.
- To evaluate the potential of heterologous vaccination and convalescent boosting for enhanced immunity.
Main Methods:
- Observational cohort study involving 144 individuals.
- Comparison of cellular and serological immune responses.
- Assessment of neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
- Analysis of responses following primary vaccination, combined regimens, and booster immunizations.
Main Results:
- mRNA vaccines induced significantly stronger cellular and serological immune responses, including neutralizing capacity against VOCs, compared to vector vaccines or convalescent individuals.
- Booster immunizations with mRNA vaccines achieved 100% response rate for broadly neutralizing antibodies and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production.
- COVID-19-convalescent and ChAdOx1-nCoV-19-primed individuals showed particularly robust responses after mRNA vaccine boosting.
Conclusions:
- mRNA vaccines offer superior immunological protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its VOCs.
- Heterologous vaccination strategies and convalescent boosting with mRNA vaccines can enhance protection.
- These strategies may improve the rapid qualification of convalescent plasma donors for high-titer antibody therapies.
