The Alterations of Serum N-glycome in Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to widespread vaccination efforts.
• Altered glycosylation patterns are observed in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.
• The impact of mRNA vaccination on serum glycoproteins remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and identify potential glycosylation-based alterations in serum glycoproteins.
• To compare glycosylation profiles in individuals post-SARS-CoV-2 infection versus post-mRNA vaccination.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were analyzed from post-COVID-19 and post-mRNA vaccinated individuals.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for sample classification.
• N-glycans were released, fluorescently labeled (procainamide), purified (SPE), and analyzed via HILIC-LC-Fluorescence/MS.

Main Results:

• Distinct alterations in the serum N-glycome were identified in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Specific changes in the N-glycome were also observed following mRNA vaccination.
• Linear discriminant analysis revealed significant differences between infected, vaccinated, and control groups.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection and mRNA vaccination induce measurable changes in the human serum N-glycome.
• These findings highlight the potential of N-glycans as biomarkers for infection and vaccination status.
• Further research can explore the functional implications of these glycosylation alterations.