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Author Spotlight: A Pseudotype Virus System for Assessing Omicron Subvariants and Neutralizing Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 Research
Published on: September 8, 2023
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Neutralization escape by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BA.2.86
Ninaad Lasrado1, Ai-Ris Y Collier1, Nicole P Hachmann1
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Vaccine
|October 23, 2023
Summary
The new SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant shows reduced neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers compared to BA.2. However, NAb titers against BA.2.86 are comparable to other circulating variants, supporting the use of XBB.1.5 boosters.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continually evolves, leading to new variants.
- The BA.2.86 variant possesses numerous spike protein mutations, raising concerns about immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant mutations on neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers.
- To compare the immunogenicity of BA.2.86 against other circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Comparison of NAb responses in vaccinated individuals with and without prior XBB.1.5 infection.
Main Results:
- NAb titers against BA.2.86 were significantly lower than against BA.2.
- NAb titers against BA.2.86 were similar or higher compared to XBB.1.5, EG.5.1, and FL.1.5.1.
- Vaccinated individuals with a history of XBB.1.5 infection exhibited higher NAb titers against all tested variants.
Conclusions:
- The BA.2.86 variant exhibits partial immune escape from neutralizing antibodies.
- Monovalent XBB.1.5 mRNA boosters may offer cross-protection against current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
