ABO blood group is involved in the quality of the specific immune response anti-SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, necessitates understanding long-term immunity for effective control.
• Both natural infection and vaccination aim to establish robust and durable anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the durability and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses post-infection.
• To explore the influence of individual factors, such as ABO blood groups, on the sustainability of cellular immunity.

Main Methods:

• Collected blood samples from 35 individuals 12-305 days post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells with SARS-CoV-2 peptide pools (S, N, M proteins).
• Quantified anti-S immunoglobulins and assessed CD4+ T-cell responses, analyzing differences based on ABO blood groups.

Main Results:

• A sustained SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ T-cell response against the M-protein was observed up to 10 months post-infection.
• Immune responses against S- and N-proteins diminished over time.
• Individuals with blood group O exhibited more persistent specific CD4+ T-cell responses compared to non-O groups, who also showed delayed viral clearance.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses, particularly against S- and N-proteins, are not uniformly long-lasting.
• ABO blood group appears to be a significant factor influencing the duration and persistence of cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.
• Individual factors influencing immune response sustainability must be considered in the development of future vaccines for continuous protection.