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Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Variants WT and XBB.1.9: Assessing Vulnerabilities and Preparedness
Limor Kliker1,2, Michal Mandelboim1,2, Menucha Jurkowicz1,2
1The Central Virology laboratory, Ministry of Health, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262, Israel.
Vaccines
|November 26, 2025
Summary
New SARS-CoV-2 variants like Omicron XBB.1.9 show significant immune evasion. Antibody responses were lower against XBB.1.9 than wild-type, highlighting the need for updated vaccines and tailored strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants present challenges to population immunity.
- Immune evasion by variants necessitates continuous monitoring of antibody responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neutralizing antibody responses against wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron XBB.1.9 sublineage.
- To assess these responses in the Israeli population before XBB.1.9 became widespread.
Main Methods:
- Pseudovirus-based microneutralization assays were used.
- Serum samples were analyzed from August 2022 to January 2023.
- Responses were stratified by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and region.
Main Results:
- A 29-fold reduction in neutralization was observed for XBB.1.9 compared to WT.
- Older adults had higher WT neutralization titers; no age difference for XBB.1.9.
- Regional differences in WT immunity were noted, but not for XBB.1.9.
Conclusions:
- XBB.1.9 exhibits significant immune escape compared to WT SARS-CoV-2.
- Disparities in WT immunity by age and region were identified.
- Updated vaccines and targeted strategies are crucial for variants like XBB.1.9.
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