ABSTRACT
Purpose: Liver transplant (LT) recipients have a decreased response to 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine compared to the general population, so we aimed to understand response to a third dose to inform vaccination strategies. Method(s): LT recipients in our observational cohort who received 3 homologous mRNA vaccines and available antibody levels pre- and post-dose 3 (D3) were identified. Those who reported a prior COVID-19 diagnosis or used belatacept were excluded. The peak anti-spike antibody level collected between the second (D2) and third dose (D3), was compared to the antibody level at 1 month post-D3. Samples were tested with Roche Elecsys Anti-Sars-CoV-2 enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (positive >=0.8 U/mL) or EUROIMMUN EIA (positive >=1.1 AU). Result(s): 146 participants completed 3 homologous doses of BNT162b2 (53%) or mRNA-1273 (47%) vaccines between 5/15/2021 - 11/8/2021. The median (IQR) time of peak pre-D3 antibody collection was 89 (31, 104) days post-D2. The median time of 1-month post-D3 antibody collection was 30 (23, 33) days. The median time between D2 and D3 was 168 (149-188) days. Overall, 125/146 (86%) were seropositive pre-D3, and 139/146 (95%) were seropositive post-D3 (Figure 1). There were no seroreversions post D3, and among the 21 seronegative recipients pre-D3, 14 (67%) seroconverted post-D3. Risk factors significantly associated with persistent seronegativity post-D3 were less time since LT (1.3 vs 6 years, p=0.042), mycophenolate use (100% vs 37%, p=0.001), BNT162b2 series (100% vs 50%, p=0.01), and pre-D3 seronegative status (86% vs 10%, p<0.001). Conclusion(s): Most LT recipients have excellent responses to a third homologous mRNA vaccine dose, greater than that seen in other transplant recipients. Persons seronegative after D2, however, show weaker response and may remain at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection despite D3.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Solid organ transplantation decreased during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic largely due to temporary shutdowns. The pandemic revealed significant gaps in medical knowledge among the public;disinformation, distrust, and the advent of SARS-CoV-2 may have lingering effects on transplantation rates. We hypothesize that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has influenced interest in living kidney donation (LKD) among members of the public. Method(s): We surveyed 900 US adults (ages 25-65) in June 2021 about LKD knowledge, attitudes, perceived barriers/facilitators, and impact of the pandemic on their interest in LKD. We evaluated the relationships between self-reported characteristics and interest in LKD using Chi-square tests. Result(s): The experience of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic increased interest in LKD for 12% of participants, decreased interest for 9%, and had no impact for 79%. Increased interest in LKD was significantly associated with White race (White only vs. Asian only: 12.4% vs. 9.4%, p=0.005), younger age (25-34 vs. 55-65: 16.7% vs. 6.1%, p<0.0001 and 35-44 vs. 55-65: 15.9% vs. 6.1%, p<0.0001), male gender (16.3% vs. 8.5%, p= 0.001), higher income ($100,000-149,000 vs. <$50,000: 18.9% vs. 7.5%, p=0.0008), and higher educational attainment (4-year degree vs. some college: 14.4% vs. 6.07%, p=0.0012 and post-graduate degree vs. some college: 21.5% vs. 6.1%, p= <0.0001). Conclusion(s): The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic only impacted 21% of participants' interest in LKD, highlighting an unexpected externality of the pandemic. These findings unveil new opportunities for community engagement and population groups to target in future education and outreach campaigns.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: nti-spike antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is diminished in LT recipients compared to the general population so understanding durability for those that do respond is critical to mitigating risks of infection. We measured serial antibody titers in LT recipients for 6 months after two-dose mRNA vaccine series to describe kinetics and sero-reversion rates. Method(s): LT recipients without known prior COVID-19 had anti-spike antibody testing at 1, 3, and 6 months after the second dose of mRNA vaccine (D2) using two commercial assays (Roche Elecsys anti-receptor binding domain immunoassay (EIA) [positive >=0.8 U/mL] or EUROIMMUN anti-S1 EIA [positive >=1.1 AU]). We compared titer distributions over time and identified factors associated with sero-reversion. Result(s): 180 LT recipients received BNT162b2 (48%) or mRNA-1273 (52%) 2-dose series between 1/7/2021-5/7/2021. At 1 month post-D2 (n=173), 146 (84%) had positive antibody levels at a median (IQR) of 30 (28, 32) days post-D2. At 3 months post-D2 (n=164), 149 (91%) had positive levels at a median of 92 (90, 96) days post-D2. At 6 months post-D2 (n=73), 62 (85%) had positive levels at a median of 180 (176, 185) days post-D2. Among the 66 seropositive at 1 or 3 months post-D2, 58 (88%) remained seropositive by 6 months post-D2. Neither age, years since transplant, vaccine type, nor mycophenolate (MMF) use were associated with sero-reversion, though there was a trend toward more triple immunosuppressive use (25% vs 3%, p=0.07). Of those Roche-tested, the median anti-RBD levels were >=250 U/mL (14, >=250;n=120) at 1 month post-D2, >=250 U/mL (58, >=250;n=113) at 3 months, and >=250 U/mL (30, >=250;n=49) at 6 months . Of those EUROIMMUN-tested, the median anti-S1 levels were 7.25 AU (4.31, 8.71;n=53) at 1 month, 5.71 AU (1.27, 7.90;n=51) at 3 months, and 1.73 AU (0.76, 6.01;n=25) at 6 months. Conclusion(s): Overall, most LT recipients demonstrated 6 month durability of anti-spike antibody following vaccination, but a subset did sero-revert, potentially associated with heavier immunosuppression. Further investigation into clinical consequences of waning antibody levels is key to guide timing of additional vaccine doses.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Heart and lung transplant (HT/LT) recipients have impaired humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination compared to other solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). The purpose of this study is to describe antibody titer kinetics and durability among HT and LT recipients. Method(s): HT or LT recipients (> 18 years) with no known COVID-19 infection were included. Demographics and clinical characteristics were collected via survey. Serologic testing was performed on the Roche Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 enzyme immuno-assay (EIA) or the EUROIMMUN EIA pre- and post-dose 2 (D2). Result(s): Among 93 HT recipients, 59 (63%) were seropositive 1 month and 66 (71%) 3 months post-D2 (Table 1). Seropositive HT recipients had a higher median length of time from transplant to vaccination. 7/66 (11%) had delayed seroconversion (were negative for antibodies 1-month post-D2). Median(IQR) anti-RBD was 81 (8, 250) 1-month post-D2 (n=38) and 231 (48, 438) U/mL 3-months post-D2 (n=43) (Figure 1). Among 68 LT recipients, 29/68 (43%) were seropositive 1-month and 30 (44%) 3-months post-D2. Seronegative LT recipients were more likely to younger (18-39 years old, 15% vs 3%), or older (> 60 years, 74% vs. 50%, p=0.01). Seronegative LT recipients were more likely to be on anti-metabolite therapy (79% vs. 53%, p=0.04) and had a lower median length of time from transplant to vaccination. Among seropositive LT recipients at 3-months, 3 (10%) had delayed seroconversion. Median (IQR) anti-RBD was 61 (4, 233) U/mL 1-month post-D2 (n=26) and 45(11, 299) U/mL 3-months post-D2. Conclusion(s): HT and LT recipients develop a delayed and variable antibody response to mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. HT recipients more frequently seroconverted, and had higher anti-RBD levels, than LT recipients. Persistent negative and low antibody titers may place LT recipients at the highest risk of breakthrough SARSCoV- 2 infection among SOTRs.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Some solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) with low or negative antibody levels after a 2-dose mRNA vaccine series against SARS-CoV-2 experience boosting after a third dose (D3), but long-term antibody durability after D3 is unknown. We describe six-month SARS-CoV-2 antibody kinetics and durability in 31 SOTRs who received D3. Method(s): 31 SOTRs without prior COVID-19 were identified within our national observational study. Serologic testing was performed a median of 30 (IQR 27-40) days after D3 and repeated at a median of 166 (148-184) days after D3. Semiquantitative anti-spike serologic testing using the Roche Elecsys anti-S enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or EUROIMMUN anti-S1 EIA was performed. Result(s): Over 6 months of follow-up, antibody levels increased in 16/27(59%), remained stable in 6/27(22%) (one negative, the others above the assay limit), and decreased in 5/27(19%). One-month post-D3, 24/31(77%) were seropositive and 7/31(23%) were seronegative. Six-months post-D3, 29/31(94%) were seropositive and 2/31(6%) remained seronegative. Both nonresponders received the BNT-162b2 primary series;one received Ad.26.CoV2.S and the other mRNA-1273 for D3. This difference in seroconversion after D3 was not statistically significant (Fisher exact = 0.49, between primary series). There were no reported cases of COVID-19 during the study period. Conclusion(s): We observed a very high rate of seroconversion after D3 in SOTRs, with marked heterogeneity in timing and strength of response depending on baseline antibody level and vaccine platform received. These results are encouraging evidence for the durable immunogenicity of additional vaccine doses in most SOTRs, and demonstrate the need for dedicated analysis of heterologous boosting strategies.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) use is associated with decreased antibody response to the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine series in heart and lung transplant recipients (HLTRs). Higher MMF doses have been associated with poor immunogenicity in kidney transplant recipients, but limited data exist on HLTRs. We evaluated the relationship between daily MMF dose and vaccine-induced antibody response in HLTRs. Method(s): HLTRs (n= 212) from an observational cohort were categorized by daily MMF doses (None, Low: <1000mg, Moderate: 1000-2000mg, High: >=2000mg). Semi-quantitative antibody testing was performed at 1, 3, and 6-months post-dose 2 (D2) using the Roche Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 S enzyme immunoassay (EIA), testing for antibodies to SARSCoV2 spike protein receptor binding domain, and the EUROIMMUN EIA, testing for S1 domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate the risk of a negative antibody response with increasing MMF dose. Result(s): At the time of vaccination, 94 (44.3%) HLTRs reported receiving no MMF, 33 (15.6%) reported a low dose, 54 (25.7%) reported a moderate dose, and 31 (14.8%) reported a high dose regimen. There were statistically significant differences in the number of participants on mTOR inhibitors and Triple immunosuppression among the groups but the participants in all 4 dose categories were otherwise comparable (Table 1) The risk ratio of a negative post-D2 titer with low, moderate and high dose regimens compared to no MMF was 0.65 1.15 2.05 (p=0.63), 1.34 2.043.10 (p=0.001) and 1.83 2.77 4.21 (p<0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, vaccine type, time since transplant, and corticosteroid use. Conclusion(s): HLTRs taking MMF >1000mg/day are at higher risk of remaining seronegative after mRNA vaccination, with evidence of a dose-nonresponse effect. The findings support the exploration of whether targeted MMF reduction strategies in HLTRs increase SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunogenicity. (Table Presented).
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To compare antibody response to a third dose (D3) of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) with negative or low-positive antibody levels after 2-dose mRNA vaccination across D3 platforms. Method(s): From our observational study, 532 SOTRs who developed suboptimal antibody responses to 2-dose mRNA vaccination (Roche<50 U/mL or EUROIMMUN <1.1 AU) were selected. Belatacept recipients and persons with any COVID-19 diagnosis were excluded. We compared post-D3 antibody levels among SOTRs who received an mRNA vaccine for D3 (n=487) versus Ad.26.COV2.S for D3 (n=45). Poisson regression with robust standard error was used to study the association between vaccine platform and seroconversion, adjusting for immunosuppression, age, time since transplant, and liver transplant status. Result(s): Pre-D3, 342 SOTRs (64%) were seronegative, of whom 107 (31%) developed high-positive antibody levels post-D3. In contrast, of the 190 (36%) with low-positive pre-D3 antibody levels, 172 (91%) were high-positive post-D3 (Figure 1). Among SOTRs seronegative pre-D3, 1.8x more Ad.26.COV2.S D3 recipients seroconverted compared to mRNA D3 recipients (49.7% vs 27.8%, Fisher's exact=0.014) (Figure 2). Among the pre-D3 seronegative group, there was a 2x higher chance of developing high-positive post-D3 levels with Ad.26.COV2.S compared to mRNA D3 (IRR =1.42.02.9, p<0.001). This was despite the Ad.26. COV2.S D3 group having fewer younger patients and liver transplant recipients, factors that are associated with higher odds of positive antibody response. 165 SOTRs (31%) remained seronegative after D3 (22% of Ad.26.COV2.S recipients vs 32% of mRNA recipients). Conclusion(s): Heterologous boosting with Ad.26.COV2.S may be a promising vaccination option for SOTRs with poor response to the 2-dose mRNA series, particularly among those who are seronegative. (Table Presented).