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SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccines Induce Cross-Reactive Antibodies to NL63 Coronavirus but Do Not Boost Pre-Existing Immunity
Weiyi Tang1, Zi Wei Chang1, Yun Shan Goh1
1A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore.
Background/Objectives:
mRNA vaccines have demonstrated strong immunogenicity and efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. However, the extent of antibody cross-reactivity against human seasonal coronaviruses, such as NL63, remains unclear. Furthermore, it is unknown whether pre-existing antibody responses against NL63 might influence the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
Methods:
We used a flow cytometry-based serological assay and an in vitro neutralization assay to analyze NL63 antibody responses in sera from SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-vaccinated mice and plasma samples from a vaccinated human cohort.
Results:
We found that the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine can generate cross-reactive antibodies against NL63. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination did not boost pre-existing anti-NL63 responses in humans, and pre-existing NL63 antibody levels did not affect the antibody response induced by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
Conclusions:
These findings suggest that while SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination can induce cross-reactive antibodies against NL63, pre-existing immunity to this seasonal coronavirus does not appear to significantly impact vaccine immunogenicity. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between pre-existing immunity to seasonal coronaviruses and the immune response generated by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.
Insights
The Moderna mRNA vaccine generates antibodies that cross-react with the seasonal coronavirus NL63. Pre-existing NL63 immunity does not impact the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines show high efficacy.
- Antibody cross-reactivity of these vaccines against common human seasonal coronaviruses, like NL63, is not well understood.
- The influence of pre-existing immunity to NL63 on SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine effectiveness requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate antibody cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines and the human seasonal coronavirus NL63.
- To determine if pre-existing NL63 antibodies affect the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Utilized flow cytometry and in vitro neutralization assays.
- Analyzed serum from SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-vaccinated mice.
- Examined plasma samples from a cohort of vaccinated humans.
Main Results:
- The Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine induced cross-reactive antibodies against NL63.
- SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination did not enhance pre-existing anti-NL63 antibody levels in humans.
- Pre-existing NL63 antibody titers did not influence the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines can elicit antibodies that cross-react with NL63.
- Pre-existing immunity to NL63 does not significantly alter the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.
- Findings clarify the interaction between seasonal coronavirus immunity and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine responses.
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