A single mRNA vaccine dose in COVID-19 patients boosts neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern

ABSTRACT: Summary The urgent need for, but limited availability of, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines worldwide has led to widespread consideration of dose-sparing strategies. Here, we evaluate the SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses following BNT162b2 vaccination in 150 previously SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals from a population-based cohort. One week after first vaccine dose, spike protein antibody levels are 27-fold higher and neutralizing antibody titers 12-fold higher, exceeding titers of fully vaccinated SARS-CoV-2-naive controls, with minimal additional boosting after the second dose. Neutralizing antibody titers against four variants of concern increase after vaccination; however, overall neutralization breadth does not improve. Pre-vaccination neutralizing antibody titers and time since infection have the largest positive effect on titers following vaccination. COVID-19 severity and the presence of comorbidities have no discernible impact on vaccine response. In conclusion, a single dose of BNT162b2 vaccine up to 15 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection offers higher neutralizing antibody titers than 2 vaccine doses in SARS-CoV-2-naive individuals. Graphical abstract Highlights • 150 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in a population-based prospective cohort study• The antibody titers increase within 1 week after a single dose of BNT162b2• Neutralization titers against the variants of concern show no increase in breadth• Pre-vaccination antibody titers have the largest effect on vaccine response In a prospective cohort study, van Gils et al. find that a single dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine up to 15 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection provides neutralizing titers exceeding 2 vaccine doses in SARS-CoV-2-naive individuals. This supports wide implementation of a single-dose mRNA vaccine strategy after prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SUBMITTER: van Gils M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8668345 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature