Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are expected to induce both cellular and humoral immune responses, however, the dynamics and correlation between the two types of immunity are not precisely understood.
Aims: Assessing IgG levels and T-cell response induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and investigating the correlation between cellular and humoral immune responses.
Methods: Blood samples were taken from 166 respiratory healthcare professionals at four time-points: first before administering the booster vaccine, then on day 28, 56 and 120 post-vaccination. For the assessment of humoral immune response anti-Spike protein IgG ELISA was used, while T-cell response was tested by interferon-gamma-release-assay.
Results: Out of 166 patients, 120 individuals presented positive result for interferon-gamma, while 100 had positive results for IgG. The positivity rate of cellular immune response was found to be significantly higher than humoral between the second and third doses of anti-COVID vaccines (P<0,05). Participants, who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection before the first two shots, the immune response was detectable at a statistically higher rates than in the COVID naϊve group. The third dose triggered different dynamics regarding the IgG titers and T-cell response. Four months after the administration of the booster shot both humoral and cellular immune response were detectable simultaneously.
Conclusions: After the first two doses, the cellular immune response was found to last longer than humoral, especially in previously infected individuals. Measuring the T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may complement the antibody tests currently used in clinical practice.
Footnotes
Cite this article as Eur Respir J 2022; 60: Suppl. 66, 3593.
This article was presented at the 2022 ERS International Congress, in session “-”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2022