An update on studies characterizing adaptive immune responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination

• Published in: International immunology Vol. 35; no. 8; pp. 353 - 359
• Main Authors: da Silva Antunes, Ricardo, Grifoni, Alba, Frazier, April, Weiskopf, Daniela, Sette, Alessandro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: UK Oxford University Press 07-08-2023
• Subjects: Adaptive Immunity; COVID-19 - prevention & control; COVID-19 Vaccines; Humans; Invited Review; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination; correlates of protection; pre-existing memory; variants; T cell; antibody responses
• ISSN: 1460-2377; 0953-8178; 1460-2377
• DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad014

Abstract
In this brief opinion piece, we highlight our studies characterizing adaptive SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in infection and vaccination, and the ability of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells to recognize emerging variants of concern, and the role of pre-existing cross-reactive T cells. In the context of the debate on correlates of protection, the pandemic’s progression in the past 3 years underlined the need to consider how different adaptive immune responses might differentially contribute to protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection versus COVID-19 disease. Lastly, we discuss how cross-reactive T cell responses may be useful in generating a broad adaptive immunity, recognizing different variants and viral families. Considering vaccines with broadly conserved antigens could improve preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks.
Adaptive immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and its vaccines
Graphical abstract
Graphical Abstract