Durability and cross-reactivity of immune responses induced by a plant-based virus-like particle vaccine for COVID-19

Nat Commun. 2022 Nov 12;13(1):6905. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-34728-1.

Abstract

As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic evolves, vaccine evaluation needs to include consideration of both durability and cross-reactivity. This report expands on previously reported results from a Phase 1 trial of an AS03-adjuvanted, plant-based coronavirus-like particle (CoVLP) displaying the spike (S) glycoprotein of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus in healthy adults (NCT04450004). Humoral and cellular responses against the ancestral strain were evaluated 6 months post-second dose (D201) as secondary outcomes. Independent of dose, all vaccinated individuals retain binding antibodies, and ~95% retain neutralizing antibodies (NAb). Interferon gamma and interleukin-4 responses remain detectable in ~94% and ~92% of vaccinees respectively. In post-hoc analyses, variant-specific (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma and Omicron) NAb were assessed at D42 and D201. Using a live virus neutralization assay, broad cross-reactivity is detectable against all variants at D42. At D201, cross-reactive antibodies are detectable in almost all participants against Alpha, Gamma and Delta variants (94%) and the Beta variant (83%) and in a smaller proportion against Omicron (44%). Results are similar with the pseudovirion assay. These data suggest that two doses of 3.75 µg CoVLP+AS03 elicit a durable and cross-reactive response that persists for at least 6 months post-vaccination.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle*
  • Viral Vaccines*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle
  • Viral Vaccines

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants