COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine induces transient CD8+ T effector cell responses while conserving the memory pool for subsequent reactivation.

ABSTRACT: Immunization with two mRNA vaccine doses elicits robust spike-specific CD8⁺ T cell responses, but reports of waning immunity after COVID-19 vaccination prompt the introduction of booster vaccination campaigns. However, the effect of mRNA booster vaccination on the spike-specific CD8⁺ T cell response remains unclear. Here we show that spike-specific CD8⁺ T cells are activated and expanded in all analyzed individuals receiving the 3^rd and 4^th mRNA vaccine shots. This CD8⁺ T cell boost response is followed by a contraction phase and lasts only for about 30-60 days. The spike-specific CD8⁺ T memory stem cell pool is not affected by the 3^rd vaccination. Both 4^th vaccination and breakthrough infect

SUBMITTER: Reinscheid M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9358914 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature