Successful Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Antibody Response to Vaccination in MAGT1 Deficiency

Novel messenger RNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have been vital in resolving the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Detection of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) confirms immunogenicity with high sensitivity and specificity. Few recent studies with primary and secondary immunodeficient cohorts present adequate or reduced antibody response. We describe the first reported successful response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody post-vaccination in magnesium transporter 1 (MAGT1) gene deficiency, more commonly recognized as x-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr Virus infection, and neoplasia (XMEN).

We present a 30-year-old male with selective anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency, peripheral blood CD5  +  /CD19  +  B-cell predominance (97%), MAGT1 mutation, and reduced CD16  +  CD56  +  natural killer- and/or CD8  +  T-cell receptor, Group 2, Member D expression. His initial immunological evaluation revealed all seronegative post-vaccination antibody titers but clinically adequate response to protein antigens tetanus and diphtheria anti-toxoids.COVID-19 vaccination and associated serology antibody testing was recommended at this office visit. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies before and after the first BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses, as well as nucleocapsid antibody, were negative. S protein total antibody was reactive after the second dose.

Robust immunological sequelae post-COVID-19 vaccination in the general population are well-documented in the recent literature. Few studies have evaluated COVID-19 vaccination antibody response in immunodeficient patients. The majority positive anti-S antibody detection in most primary immunodeficient (PID) patients among the few studies in the literature, such as the present case, support the safety and efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in immunodeficient patients, although larger scale studies are needed.

We demonstrate successful vaccination in the PID MAGT1 deficiency in this first reported case of reactive anti-S antibody post-COVID-19 vaccination.