T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike cross-recognize Omicron.

ABSTRACT: The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has multiple spike protein mutations^1,2 that contribute to viral escape from antibody neutralization^3-6 and reduce vaccine protection from infection^7,8. The extent to which other components of the adaptive response such as T cells may still target Omicron and contribute to protection from severe outcomes is unknown. Here we assessed the ability of T cells to react to Omicron spike protein in participants who were vaccinated with Ad26.CoV2.S or BNT162b2, or unvaccinated convalescent COVID-19 patients (n = 70). Between 70% and 80% of the CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell response to spike was maintained across study groups. Moreover, the magnitude of Omicron cross-reactive T cells was similar for Beta (B.1.3

SUBMITTER: Keeton R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8930768 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature