Serum Neutralization Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants Is Heterogenic and Depends on Vaccination Regimen

Abstract

Omicron variants are still the dominant SARS-CoV-2 viruses worldwide, therefore determination of the level of protection from infection and severe disease is essential. Here, we investigated humoral and cellular immunity of individuals immunized by ChAdOx1, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273 and our results show that IgG and neutralization titers wane over time. However, strongest neutralization against Omicron BA.1 and T-cell responses were detected in ChAdOx1 vaccinees 6 months after the second dose, while no long-lasting neutralization was shown against BA.2 in any cohort. Crucially, our investigation revealed that immunity against variants of concern is heterogenic and dependent on the immunization status.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccines; SARS-CoV-2; T-cell responses; neutralizing antibodies; omicron BA1 and BA2; virus neutralization.