Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants by convalescent and BNT162b2 vaccinated serum

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 and its variants continue to infect hundreds of thousands every day despite the rollout of effective vaccines. Therefore, it is essential to understand the levels of protection that these vaccines provide in the face of emerging variants. Here, we report two demographically balanced cohorts of BNT162b2 vaccine recipients and COVID-19 patients, from which we evaluate neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 as well as the B.1.1.7 (alpha) and B.1.351 (beta) variants. We show that both B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 are less well neutralized by serum from vaccinated individuals, and that B.1.351, but not B.1.1.7, is less well neutralized by convalescent serum. We also find that the levels of variant-specific anti-spike antibodies are proportional to neutralizing activities. Together, our results demonstrate the escape of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants from neutralization by serum antibodies, which may lead to reduced protection from re-infection or increased risk of vaccine breakthrough.

Cited by papers we hold 4

• Vaccination before or after SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to robust humoral response and antibodies that effectively neutralize variants · 2022
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• The Impact of Evolving SARS-CoV-2 Mutations and Variants on COVID-19 Vaccines · 2022
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• Reduced neutralisation of the Delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern following vaccination · 2021
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• Children develop robust and sustained cross-reactive spike-specific immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection · 2021
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