Neutralizing antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern including Delta and Omicron in subjects receiving mRNA‐1273, BNT162b2, and Ad26.COV2.S vaccines

Abstract

SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines have contributed to the control of COVID‐19 in some parts of the world. However, the constant emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) challenges the effectiveness of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines over time. In particular, Omicron contains a high number of mutations in the spike (S) protein gene, on which most vaccines were developed. In this study, we quantitated neutralizing antibodies in vaccine recipients at various times postvaccination using S protein‐based pseudoviruses derived from wild type (WT) SARS‐CoV‐2 and five VOCs including Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529). We found that two‐dose mRNA‐1273 and BNT162b2 vaccines elicited robust neutralizing antibodies against WT, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta, but wanned after 6 months with a faster decline observed for BNT162b2. Both mRNA‐1273 and BNT162b2 elicited weak neutralizing antibodies against Omicron. One dose of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine induced weaker neutralizing antibodies against WT and most VOCs than mRNA‐1273 and BNT162b2 did but moderate neutralizing antibodies against Delta and Omicron, which lasted for 6 months. These results support current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a booster 5 months after full immunization with an mRNA‐based vaccine and the use of an mRNA‐based vaccine 2 months after Ad26.COV2.S vaccination.

Ultrarapid and ultrasensitive detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in COVID‐19 patients via a 3D‐printed nanomaterial‐based biosensing platform

“…It is noted that VOCs have a high mutation rate in the spike protein. 79 The use of specific antibodies to individual VOCs could potentially detect the different variants. 80 , 81 , 82 In fact, our unpublished research shows that we can attach SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies to the electrode surface and detect corresponding SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens and SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudoviruses.…”

“…It is noted that VOCs have a high mutation rate in the spike protein. 79 The use of specific antibodies to individual VOCs could potentially detect the different variants. [80][81][82] In fact, our…”

“…The developed sensors use spike S1 and RBD in addition to N protein to detect antibodies. It is noted that VOCs have a high mutation rate in the spike protein 79 . The use of specific antibodies to individual VOCs could potentially detect the different variants 80–82 .…”

Infectivity of pseudotyped SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern in different human cell types and inhibitory effects of recombinant spike protein and entry‐related cellular factors

“…Pseudoviruses of SARS-CoV-2 WT and VOCs were packaged as previously described. 14,19 Briefly, plasmid pNL4-3. Luci.R-E-and each of the spike protein plasmids were cotransfected into HEK293T using jetOPTIMUS transfection reagent (Polyplus) at a 2:1 ratio.…”

“…18 SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1) protein and entry-related proteins are potential targets for vaccines or therapeutic antibodies. 19,20 Soluble recombinant ACE2 can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking the interaction of receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein with cellular ACE2. 14,21 Both recombinant S1 and RBD proteins can block SARS-CoV-2 infection but RBD exhibits higher binding affinity to the ACE2 receptor and can more effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.…”