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Upregulated CD8+ MAIT cell differentiation and KLRD1 gene expression after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Xiaowen Dou1, Mian Peng2, Ruiwei Jiang1
1Medical Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
Background:
The primary strategy for reducing the incidence of COVID-19 is SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Few studies have explored T cell subset differentiation and gene expressions induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Our study aimed to analyze T cell dynamics and transcriptome gene expression after inoculation with an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine by using single-cell sequencing.
Methods:
Single-cell sequencing was performed after peripheral blood mononuclear cells were extracted from three participants at four time points during the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination process. After library preparation, raw read data analysis, quality control, dimension reduction and clustering, single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, TCR V(D)J sequencing, cell differentiation trajectory inference, differentially expressed genes, and pathway enrichment were analyzed to explore the characteristics and mechanisms of postvaccination immunodynamics.
Results:
Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination promoted T cell proliferation, TCR clone amplification, and TCR diversity. The proliferation and differentiation of CD8+ mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells were significantly upregulated, as were KLRD1 gene expression and the two pathways of nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process, nonsense-mediated decay, and translational initiation.
Conclusion:
Upregulation of CD8+ MAIT cell differentiation and KLRD1 expression after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was demonstrated by single-cell sequencing. We conclude that the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine elicits adaptive T cell immunity to enhance early immunity and rapid response to the targeted virus.
Insights
Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination boosts T cell immunity, enhancing early responses. This study reveals significant CD8+ T cell subset activation and gene expression changes post-vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Genomics
Background:
- COVID-19 prevention relies on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
- Limited research exists on T cell subset dynamics and gene expression post-vaccination.
- This study investigates T cell responses to an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze T cell dynamics and gene expression following inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
- To understand the immunodynamics of post-vaccination adaptive T cell immunity.
- To identify specific T cell subsets and molecular pathways involved.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from vaccinated participants.
- Analysis of T cell receptor (TCR) V(D)J sequences and cell differentiation trajectories.
- Transcriptome-wide gene expression profiling and pathway enrichment analysis.
Main Results:
- Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination increased T cell proliferation, TCR diversity, and clone amplification.
- Significant upregulation of CD8+ mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Elevated expression of the KLRD1 gene and specific mRNA-related pathways.
Conclusions:
- Single-cell sequencing demonstrated CD8+ MAIT cell differentiation and KLRD1 upregulation post-vaccination.
- The inactivated vaccine induces adaptive T cell immunity.
- This enhances early immunity and promotes a rapid response against SARS-CoV-2.
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