Analysis of mRNA vaccination-elicited RBD-specific memory B cells reveals strong but incomplete immune escape of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.
Immunity
; 55(6): 1096-1104.e4, 2022 06 14.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1778211
ABSTRACT
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant can escape neutralization by vaccine-elicited and convalescent antibodies. Memory B cells (MBCs) represent another layer of protection against SARS-CoV-2, as they persist after infection and vaccination and improve their affinity. Whether MBCs elicited by mRNA vaccines can recognize the Omicron variant remains unclear. We assessed the affinity and neutralization potency against the Omicron variant of several hundred naturally expressed MBC-derived monoclonal IgG antibodies from vaccinated COVID-19-recovered and -naive individuals. Compared with other variants of concern, Omicron evaded recognition by a larger proportion of MBC-derived antibodies, with only 30% retaining high affinity against the Omicron RBD, and the reduction in neutralization potency was even more pronounced. Nonetheless, neutralizing MBC clones could be found in all the analyzed individuals. Therefore, despite the strong immune escape potential of the Omicron variant, these results suggest that the MBC repertoire generated by mRNA vaccines still provides some protection against the Omicron variant in vaccinated individuals.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Topics:
Vaccines
/
Variants
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Immunity
Journal subject:
Allergy and Immunology
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.immuni.2022.04.002
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