Induction of Neutralizing Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant by COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
The Omicron variant (BA.1/B.1.1.529) is characterized by mutation of an unusually high number, with 26 to 32 changes (up to 36 mutations) in the spike (S) glycoprotein, the key epitopes (target) of neutralizing antibodies. A recent study revealed that the Omicron variant is more likely to cause reinfection than previous SARS-CoV-2 variants, indicating some immune-escape levels.
Editorial
The Omicron variant (BA.1/B.1.1.529) is characterized by mutation of an unusually high number, with 26 to 32 changes (up to 36 mutations) in the spike (S) glycoprotein, the key epitopes (target) of neutralizing antibodies [1, 2, 3]. A recent study revealed that the Omicron variant is more likely to cause reinfection than previous SARS-CoV-2 variants, indicating some immune-escape levels [4]. Recently, neutralization potency of sera mRNA-1273, BNT162b2, and Ad26.COV2.S vaccine recipients against wild-type, Delta, and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses was studied and demonstrated potent neutralization of Omicron variant and 4-6-fold lower than the wild type among mRNA vaccinated individuals, indicating enhanced cross-reactivity of neutralizing antibody responses [2, 4]. Polyclonal sera from persons vaccinated with two doses of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine and from convalescent persons showed a near-complete lack of neutralizing activity against Omicron variant, as well as different monoclonal-antibodies resistance in clinical application [2, 3].
Conclusion
In conclusion, the significance of additional mRNA- vaccine doses, at least two doses to promote neutralizing antibody (humoral immune) responses against divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly the Omicron variant.
References
-
Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS- SA). SARS-CoV-2 sequencing update. November 26, 2021.
-
Garcia-Beltran WF, St. Denis KJ, Hoelzemer A, Lam EC, Nitido AD, et al. (2022) mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine boosters induce neutralizing immunity against SARS- CoV-2 Omicron variant. Cell 185(3): 457-466.
-
Gruell H, Vanshylla K, Tober-Lau P, Hillus D, Schommers P, et al. (2022) mRNA booster immunization elicits potent neutralizing serum activity against the SARS- CoV-2 Omicron variant. Nature Medicine pp: 1-4.
-
Riepler L, Bante D, von Laer D, Kimpel J (2022) SARS- CoV-2 Omicron variant neutralization in serum from vaccinated and convalescent persons. N Engl J Med 386: 698-700.
- Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction in Late Adulthood: A Case Report on Clinical Intervention and Intimacy Restoration
- Clinical Trials on COVID-19 in 2025: A New Chapter in Global Health Research
- Innovations and Challenges in Contemporary Medical Clinical Trials: An Editorial Perspective
- Innovations and Challenges in Contemporary Medical Clinical Trials: A Critical Perspective
- Reimagining Clinical Trials: The Power of Continuous Feedback from Medical Reports
- Factors Influencing Brain Drain: Perspectives from a Medical School in Turkey