Extensive cross-reactive T cell epitopes across SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant spikes with finite immune evasion mutations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The impact of spike protein mutations on T cell responses, particularly in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants, remains incompletely elucidated.

Methods

In this study, DNA vaccines encoding the spike protein of both the ancestral virus and Omicron variants were developed and administered in conjunction with a Th1-type adjuvant to BALB/c mice. Cross-reactive T cell responses to the spike proteins were assessed in the splenocytes of these mice using IFN-γ ELISPOT assays. Additionally, flow cytometry (FACS) was utilized to evaluate IFN-γ⁺ CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell responses to various peptides covering the entire spike protein sequence.

Results

Our study demonstrated that only a limited number of mice, along with a minor subset of their spl

SUBMITTER: Gan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487199 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature