Evolving antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 antigenic shift from XBB to JN.1

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• SARS-CoV-2 continuously evolves, with the JN.1 lineage succeeding XBB.
• Understanding the immune response to new variants is crucial for vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the humoral immune response to XBB and JN.1 exposure.
• To assess the effectiveness of antibodies against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of plasma neutralization against XBB and JN.1.
• Deep mutational scanning of antibody epitopes.
• Characterization of B cell receptor repertoire.

Main Results:

• JN.1 infection elicits superior neutralization against its subvariants compared to XBB.
• KP.3 exhibits significant immune evasion and receptor-binding capability.
• JN.1-induced memory B cells are superior; however, KP.2 and KP.3 evade some JN.1-induced antibodies.

Conclusions:

• The antigenic shift from XBB to JN.1 necessitates vaccine composition re-evaluation.
• JN.1 lineage, particularly KP.2 and KP.3, should be considered for vaccine boosters.