1
|
Serwanga J, Oluka GK, Baine C, Ankunda V, Sembera J, Kato L, Katende JS, Odoch G, Auma BO, Gombe B, Musenero M, Kaleebu P. Persistent and robust antibody responses to ChAdOx1-S Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S, Covishield) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine observed in Ugandans across varied baseline immune profiles. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303113. [PMID: 39074077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced antibody responses in varied antigenic and serological prior exposures can guide optimal vaccination strategies for enhanced immunogenicity. We evaluated spike (S)-directed IgG, IgM, and IgA antibody optical densities (ODs) and concentrations to the two-dose ChAdOx1-S Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S, Covishield) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in 67 Ugandans, categorised by prior infection and baseline S-IgG histories: uninfected and S-IgG-negative (n = 12); previously infected yet S-IgG-negative (n = 17); and previously infected with S-IgG-positive status (n = 38). Antibody dynamics were compared across eight timepoints from baseline till nine months. S-IgG antibodies remained consistently potent across all groups. Individuals with prior infections maintained robust S-IgG levels, underscoring the endurance of hybrid immunity. In contrast, those without prior exposure experienced an initial surge in S-IgG after the primary dose but no subsequent significant increase post-boost. However, they reached levels parallel to the previously exposed groups. S-IgM levels remained moderate, while S-IgA persisted in individuals with prior antigen exposure. ChAdOx1-S, Covishield vaccine elicited robust and sustained antibody responses in recipients, irrespective of their initial immune profiles. Hybrid immunity showed higher responses, aligning with global observations. Early post-vaccination antibody levels could predict long-term immunity, particularly in individuals without virus exposure. These findings can inform vaccine strategies and pandemic management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Serwanga
- Viral Pathogens Theme, MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gerald Kevin Oluka
- Viral Pathogens Theme, MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Claire Baine
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Violet Ankunda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jackson Sembera
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Laban Kato
- Viral Pathogens Theme, MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ssebwana Katende
- Viral Pathogens Theme, MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Geoffrey Odoch
- Viral Pathogens Theme, MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Betty Oliver Auma
- Viral Pathogens Theme, MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Ben Gombe
- Viral Pathogens Theme, MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Monica Musenero
- Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat, Office of the President, Government of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Viral Pathogens Theme, MRC/UVRI & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ankunda V, Katende JS, Oluka GK, Sembera J, Baine C, Odoch G, Ejou P, Kato L, Kaleebu P, Serwanga J. The subdued post-boost spike-directed secondary IgG antibody response in Ugandan recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine has implications for local vaccination policies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1325387. [PMID: 38469296 PMCID: PMC10926532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1325387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to delineate longitudinal antibody responses to the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine within the Ugandan subset of the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) demographic, filling a significant gap in global datasets. Methods We enrolled 48 participants and collected 320 specimens over 12 months after the primary vaccination dose. A validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibody concentrations (ng/ml) and optical densities (ODs). Statistical analyses included box plots, diverging bar graphs, and the Wilcoxon test with Bonferroni correction. Results We noted a robust S-IgG response within 14 days of the primary vaccine dose, which was consistent with global data. There was no significant surge in S-IgG levels after the booster dose, contrasting trends in other global populations. The S-IgM response was transient and predominantly below established thresholds for this population, which reflects its typical early emergence and rapid decline. S-IgA levels rose after the initial dose then decreased after six months, aligning with the temporal patterns of mucosal immunity. Eleven breakthrough infections were noted, and all were asymptomatic, regardless of the participants' initial S-IgG serostatus, which suggests a protective effect from vaccination. Discussion The Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine elicited strong S-IgG responses in the SSA demographic. The antibody dynamics distinctly differed from global data highlighting the significance of region-specific research and the necessity for customised vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Violet Ankunda
- Viral Pathogens Research Theme, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ssebwana Katende
- Viral Pathogens Research Theme, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gerald Kevin Oluka
- Viral Pathogens Research Theme, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jackson Sembera
- Viral Pathogens Research Theme, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Claire Baine
- Viral Pathogens Research Theme, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Geoffrey Odoch
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Peter Ejou
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Laban Kato
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Viral Pathogens Research Theme, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Serwanga
- Viral Pathogens Research Theme, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ugwu CA, Alao O, John OG, Akinnawo B, Ajayi I, Odebode O, Bejide I, Campbell A, Campbell J, Adole JA, B. Olawoye I, Akano K, Okolie J, Eromon P, Olaitan P, Olagunoye A, Adebayo I, Adebayo V, Babalola E, Abioye O, Ajayi N, Ogah E, Ukwaja K, Okoro S, Oje O, Kingsley OC, Eke M, Onyia V, Achonduh-Atijegbe O, Ewah FE, Obasi M, Igwe V, Ayodeji O, Chukwuyem A, Owhin S, Oyejide N, Abah S, Ingbian W, Osoba M, Alebiosu A, Nadesalingam A, Aguinam ET, Carnell G, Krause N, Chan A, George C, Kinsley R, Tonks P, Temperton N, Heeney J, Happi C. Immunological insights into COVID-19 in Southern Nigeria. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1305586. [PMID: 38322252 PMCID: PMC10844438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1305586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the unexpected outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic was the relatively low levels of morbidity and mortality in Africa compared to the rest of the world. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, accounted for less than 0.01% of the global COVID-19 fatalities. The factors responsible for Nigeria's relatively low loss of life due to COVID-19 are unknown. Also, the correlates of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of pre-existing immunity on the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa are yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the natural and vaccine-induced immune responses from vaccinated, non-vaccinated and convalescent individuals in Southern Nigeria throughout the three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. We also examined the pre-existing immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 from samples collected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We used spike RBD and N- IgG antibody ELISA to measure binding antibody responses, SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype assay protocol expressing the spike protein of different variants (D614G, Delta, Beta, Omicron BA1) to measure neutralizing antibody responses and nucleoprotein (N) and spike (S1, S2) direct ex vivo interferon gamma (IFNγ) T cell ELISpot to measure T cell responses. Result Our study demonstrated a similar magnitude of both binding (N-IgG (74% and 62%), S-RBD IgG (70% and 53%) and neutralizing (D614G (49% and 29%), Delta (56% and 47%), Beta (48% and 24%), Omicron BA1 (41% and 21%)) antibody responses from symptomatic and asymptomatic survivors in Nigeria. A similar magnitude was also seen among vaccinated participants. Interestingly, we revealed the presence of preexisting binding antibodies (N-IgG (60%) and S-RBD IgG (44%)) but no neutralizing antibodies from samples collected prior to the pandemic. Discussion These findings revealed that both vaccinated, non-vaccinated and convalescent individuals in Southern Nigeria make similar magnitude of both binding and cross-reactive neutralizing antibody responses. It supported the presence of preexisting binding antibody responses among some Nigerians prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, hybrid immunity and heterologous vaccine boosting induced the strongest binding and broadly neutralizing antibody responses compared to vaccine or infection-acquired immunity alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu A. Ugwu
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Oluwasina Alao
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Oluwagboadurami G. John
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Blossom Akinnawo
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Israel Ajayi
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Ooreofe Odebode
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Ifeoluwa Bejide
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Allan Campbell
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Julian Campbell
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Jolly A. Adole
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Idowu B. Olawoye
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Kazeem Akano
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Johnson Okolie
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Philomena Eromon
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Peter Olaitan
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Ajibola Olagunoye
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Ibukun Adebayo
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Victor Adebayo
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | | | - Omowumi Abioye
- Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Nnennaya Ajayi
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Emeka Ogah
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley Ukwaja
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Sylvanus Okoro
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ogbonnaya Oje
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | - Matthew Eke
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Venatius Onyia
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Olivia Achonduh-Atijegbe
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Friday Elechi Ewah
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Mary Obasi
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Violet Igwe
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Nicholas Oyejide
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | | | - Winifred Ingbian
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Moyosoore Osoba
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Ahmed Alebiosu
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| | - Angalee Nadesalingam
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ernest T. Aguinam
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - George Carnell
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Krause
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Chan
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte George
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Kinsley
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Tonks
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, The Universities of Greenwich and Kent, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Heeney
- Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Happi
- The Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Baine C, Sembera J, Kevin Oluka G, Katende JS, Ankunda V, Serwanga J. An Optimised Indirect ELISA Protocol for Detection and Quantification of Anti-viral Antibodies in Human Plasma or Serum: A Case Study Using SARS-CoV-2. Bio Protoc 2023; 13:e4905. [PMID: 38156036 PMCID: PMC10751243 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced immunoassays are crucial in assessing antibody responses, serving immune surveillance goals, characterising immunological responses to evolving viral variants, and guiding subsequent vaccination initiatives. This protocol outlines an indirect ELISA protocol to detect and quantify virus-specific antibodies in plasma or serum after exposure to viral antigens. The assay enables the measurement of IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies specific to the virus of interest, providing qualitative and quantitative optical densities and concentration data. Although this protocol refers to SARS-CoV-2, its methodology is versatile and can be modified to assess antibody responses for various viral infections and to evaluate vaccine trial outcomes. Key features • This protocol builds upon previously described methodology [1] explicitly tailored for SARS-CoV-2 and broadens its applicability to other viral infections. • The protocol outlines establishing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 infections by determining optical densities and concentrations from blood plasma or serum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Baine
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jackson Sembera
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gerald Kevin Oluka
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ssebwana Katende
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Violet Ankunda
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Serwanga
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ssali I, Mugaba S, Watelo AK, Bemanzi J, Katende JS, Oluka GK, Ankunda V, Baine C, Kato L, Onyachi N, Muwanga M, Jjuuko M, Kayiwa J, Nsereko C, Auma BO, Weiskopf D, Sette A, Lutalo T, Musenero M, Kaleebu P, Serwanga J. Spike protein is a key target for stronger and more persistent T-cell responses-a study of mild and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 136:49-56. [PMID: 37683720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding the immune response in very mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 is crucial for developing effective vaccines and immunotherapies, yet remains poorly characterized. This longitudinal study examined the evolution of interferon (IFN)-γ responses to SARS-CoV-2 peptides in 109 asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic Ugandan COVID-19 patients across 365 days and explored their association with antibody generation. METHODS T-cell responses to spike-containing clusters of differentiation (CD4)-S and CD8 nCoV-A (CD8-A) megapools, and the non-spike CD4-R and CD8 nCoV-B (CD8-B) megapools, were assessed and correlated with demographic and temporal variables. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ responses were consistently detected in all peptide pools and time points, with the spike-targeted response exhibiting higher potency and durability than the non-spike responses. Throughout the entire 365-day infection timeline, a robust positive correlation was observed between CD4 T-cell responses to the spike-derived peptides and anti-spike immunoglobulin G antibody levels, underscoring their interdependent dynamics in the immune response against SARS-CoV-2; in contrast, CD8 T-cell responses exhibited no such correlation, highlighting their distinctive, autonomous role in defense. No meaningful variations in complete blood count parameters were observed between individuals with COVID-19 infection and those without, indicating clinical insignificance. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the dominant role of spike-directed T-cell responses in mild and asymptomatic disease and provides crucial longitudinal data from Sub-Saharan African settings. The findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of T-cell responses and their potential significance in developing effective strategies for combating COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Ssali
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Susan Mugaba
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Juliana Bemanzi
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ssebwana Katende
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gerald Kevin Oluka
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Violet Ankunda
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Claire Baine
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Laban Kato
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Nathan Onyachi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Moses Muwanga
- Department of Internal Medicine, Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Mark Jjuuko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Masaka, Uganda
| | - John Kayiwa
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Christopher Nsereko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Betty Oliver Auma
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Daniela Weiskopf
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, USA
| | - Tom Lutalo
- Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Monica Musenero
- Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat, Office of the President, Government of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Serwanga
- Pathogen Genomics, Phenotype, and Immunity Program, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Immunology, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda.
| |
Collapse
|