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COVID-19 vaccine booster induces a strong CD8+ T cell response against Omicron variant epitopes in HLA-A*02:01+ individuals

Nguyen, A. T.; Szeto, C.; Chatzileontiadou, D. S. M.; Tong, Z. W. M.; Dewar-Oldis, M. J.; Cooper, L.; Murdolo, L. D.; Chew, K. Y.; Lineburg, K. E.; Riboldi-Tunicliffe, A.; Williamson, R.; Gardiner, B. J.; Jayasinghe, D.; Lobos, C. A.; Ahn, Y. M.; Grant, E. J.; Smith, C.; McMahon, J.; Good-Jacobson, K. L.; Barnard, P. J.; Short, K. R.; Gras, S.

2022-01-13 immunology
10.1101/2022.01.12.473243 bioRxiv
Show abstract

The >30 mutated residues in the Omicron spike protein have led to its rapid classification as a new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. As a result, Omicron may escape from the immune system, decreasing the protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines. Preliminary data shows a weaker neutralizing antibody response to Omicron compared to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can be increased after a booster vaccine. Here, we report that CD8+ T cells can recognize Omicron variant epitopes presented by HLA-A*02:01 in both COVID-19 recovered and vaccinated individuals, even 6 months after infection or vaccination. Additionally, the T cell response was stronger for Omicron variant epitopes after the vaccine booster. Altogether, T cells can recognize Omicron variants, especially in vaccinated individuals after the vaccine booster. One-Sentence SummaryCD8+ T cells response against Omicron variant epitopes is stronger after the vaccine booster.

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