T cell responses to repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and breakthrough infections in patients on TNF inhibitor treatment: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Understanding cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 immunisations is important for informing vaccine recommendations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other vulnerable patients on immunosuppressive therapies. This study investigated the magnitude and quality of T cell responses after multiple SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses and COVID-19 breakthrough infection.

Methods: This prospective, observational study included patients with IBD and arthritis on tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) receiving up to four SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses. T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 peptides were measured by flow cytometry before and 2-4 weeks after vaccinations and breakthrough infection to assess the frequency and polyfunctionality of responding cells, along with receptor-binding domain (anti-RBD) antibodies.

Findings: Between March 2, 2021, and December 20, 2022, 143 patients (118 IBD, 25 arthritis) and 73 healthy controls were included. In patients with either IBD or arthritis, humoral immunity was attenuated compared to healthy controls (median anti-RBD levels 3391 vs. 6280 BAU/ml, p = 0.008) after three SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses. Patients with IBD had comparable quantities (median CD4 0.11% vs. 0.11%, p = 0.26, CD8 0.031% vs. 0.047%, p = 0.33) and quality (polyfunctionality score: 0.403 vs. 0.371, p = 0.39; 0.105 vs. 0.101, p = 0.87) of spike-specific T cells to healthy controls. Patients with arthritis had lower frequencies but comparable quality of responding T cells to controls. Breakthrough infection increased spike-specific CD8 T cell quality and T cell responses against non-spike peptides.

Interpretation: Patients with IBD on TNFi have T cell responses comparable to healthy controls despite attenuated humoral responses following three vaccine doses. Repeated vaccination and breakthrough infection increased the quality of T cell responses. Our study adds evidence that, in the absence of other risk factors, this group may in future be able to follow the general recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

Funding: South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Akershus University Hospital, Diakonhjemmet Hospital.

Keywords: Arthritis; Inflammatory bowel disease; SARS-CoV-2; T cells; TNF inhibitors; Vaccination.