Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2025

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 antibody response to vaccination and surrogate neutralization of emerging variants based on SARS-CoV-2
Thomas W McDade1, Alexis R Demonbreun2, Amelia Sancilio3
1Northwestern University, 1810 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA. t-mcdade@northwestern.edu.
Abstract:
Two-dose messenger RNA vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are highly effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection. However, the durability of protection is not known, nor is the effectiveness against emerging viral variants. Additionally, vaccine responses may differ based on prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure history. To investigate protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants we measured binding and neutralizing antibody responses following both vaccine doses. We document significant declines in antibody levels three months post-vaccination, and reduced neutralization of emerging variants, highlighting the need to identify correlates of clinical protection to inform the timing of and indications for booster vaccination.
Related Concept Videos
Immunological Memory
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
Vaccinations
Cross-reactivity
Humoral Immune Responses
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
Active versus Passive Immunity
Active Immunity
Active immunity refers to the resistance one develops...

