ABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 had a major impact across the world. It is true that the collaboration of scientists from all over the world resulted in a rapid response against COVID-19, mainly with the development of vaccines against the disease. However, many viral genetic variants that threaten vaccines have emerged. Our study reveals highly conserved antigenic regions in the vaccines have emerged. Our study reveals highly conserved antigenic regions in the spike protein in all variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) as well as in the wild-type virus. Such immune targets can be used to fight future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Physicians , Vaccines , Humans , SARS-CoV-2/geneticsABSTRACT
IMPORTANCE: Several additional COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the Brazilian population to prevent the disease caused by the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant. The efficacy of a third dose as a booster is already well described. However, it is important to clarify the humoral immune response gain induced by a fourth dose. In this study, we evaluate the effect of the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose in a diverse Brazilian population, considering a real-life context. Our study reveals that the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine increased the neutralizing antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and significantly contributed in the reduction of the disease caused by this variant.
