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 Jul 29;19(7):e0303113. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303113. eCollection 2024.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral* / blood
  • Antibodies, Viral* / immunology
  • Antibody Formation / immunology
  • COVID-19* / immunology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • ChAdOx1 nCoV-19* / administration & dosage
  • ChAdOx1 nCoV-19* / immunology
  • East African People
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin A / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G* / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G* / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / immunology
  • Vaccination
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • ChAdOx1 nCoV-19
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2

Supplementary concepts

  • Ugandan people