Ipsilateral immunization after a prior SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination elicits superior B cell responses compared to contralateral immunization.

ABSTRACT: mRNA vaccines have proven to be pivotal in the fight against COVID-19. A recommended booster, given 3 to 4 weeks post the initial vaccination, can substantially amplify protective antibody levels. Here, we show that, compared to contralateral boost, ipsilateral boost of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine induces more germinal center B cells (GCBCs) specific to the receptor binding domain (RBD) and generates more bone marrow plasma cells. Ipsilateral boost can more rapidly generate high-affinity RBD-specific antibodies with improved cross-reactivity to the Omicron variant. Mechanistically, the ipsilateral boost promotes the positive selection and plasma cell differentiation of pre-existing GCBCs from the prior vaccination, associated with the expansion of T follicular helper cells. Furthermore, we

SUBMITTER: Jiang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10851277 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature