Dynamics of spike-specific neutralizing antibodies across five-year emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern reveal conserved epitopes that protect against severe COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Since early 2020, several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) continue to emerge, evading waning antibody mediated immunity produced by the current Spike-alone based COVID-19 vaccines. This caused a prolonged and persistent COVID-19 pandemic that is going to enter its fifth year. Thus, the need remains for innovative next generation vaccines that would incorporate protective Spike-derived B-cell epitopes that resist immune evasion.

Methods

Towards that goal, in this study we (i) Screened the sequences of Spike among many VOCs and identified conserved and non-conserved linear B-cell epitopes; (ii) Compared titers and neutralization antibodies specific to these conserved and non-conserved B-cell epitopes from serum of symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patien

SUBMITTER: Zayou L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11876060 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature