scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy and possible transfer of immunity: assessment of peripartal maternal and neonatal antibody levels and a longitudinal follow-up

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Rathberger ◽  
Sebastian Häusler ◽  
Sven Wellmann ◽  
Marco Weigl ◽  
Florian Langhammer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Response ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Important Evidence ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Objectives In the current Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic there is still great uncertainty about the effects of an infection in pregnancy especially regarding a possible fetal transmission of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and the longevity of this immunity. Methods Sixteen women who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and their offspring were included. The antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 was measured in mother and umbilical cord blood peripartum and in a follow-up examination 6–11 weeks after birth. Medical history, symptoms regarding SARS-CoV-2, obstetric and neonatal information were queried following recommendations by the WHO. Results A total of 73% of the women and one third of the infants developed antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein receptor binding domain (RBD), with a long interval between infection and birth proving favorable for a transplacentar transfer of antibodies to the neonates. All infants showed declining or vanishing antibody-titers in the follow-up examination, while the titers of their mothers were stable or even increased. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies is possible, but also indicate that the immunity that may be gained as a result might decrease in newborns postpartum. This provides important evidence that could be useful for further studies covering vaccination during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Titers, Prevalence, and Duration of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in a Local COVID-19 Outbreak and Following Vaccination

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 587
Author(s):  
Jodi F. Hedges ◽  
Macy A. Thompson ◽  
Deann T. Snyder ◽  
Amanda Robison ◽  
Matthew P. Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Natural Infection ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Neutralization Capacity ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Asymptomatic Infections ◽  
Antibody Levels

Information concerning the development of neutralizing antibodies and their duration will be critical to establishing herd immunity for COVID-19. We sought to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific antibodies, their duration, and capacity for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization in volunteers while the pandemic spread within our community starting in March 2020. Those participants with the highest starting titers had the longest-lasting response, up to 12 months post-diagnosis. SARS-CoV-2 neutralization capacity was correlated with anti-RBD antibody levels. The majority of our participants with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis had very mild or asymptomatic infections. We also detected low and largely non-neutralizing anti-RBD IgG titers in a few participants with no known COVID-19 diagnosis. Finally, we found that antibody responses induced by vaccination were significantly higher than those induced by natural infection. Thus, our study suggests that vaccination is still critical even for those naturally infected or diagnosed with COVID-19.

scholarly journals A COVID-19 vaccine candidate using SpyCatcher multimerization of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain induces potent neutralising antibody responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiong Kit Tan ◽  
Pramila Rijal ◽  
Rolle Rahikainen ◽  
Anthony H. Keeble ◽  
Lisa Schimanski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Response ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Cell Infection ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Virus Like Particle ◽  
Human Sera ◽  
Escape Mutants

AbstractThere is need for effective and affordable vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 to tackle the ongoing pandemic. In this study, we describe a protein nanoparticle vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine is based on the display of coronavirus spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD) on a synthetic virus-like particle (VLP) platform, SpyCatcher003-mi3, using SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology. Low doses of RBD-SpyVLP in a prime-boost regimen induce a strong neutralising antibody response in mice and pigs that is superior to convalescent human sera. We evaluate antibody quality using ACE2 blocking and neutralisation of cell infection by pseudovirus or wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Using competition assays with a monoclonal antibody panel, we show that RBD-SpyVLP induces a polyclonal antibody response that recognises key epitopes on the RBD, reducing the likelihood of selecting neutralisation-escape mutants. Moreover, RBD-SpyVLP is thermostable and can be lyophilised without losing immunogenicity, to facilitate global distribution and reduce cold-chain dependence. The data suggests that RBD-SpyVLP provides strong potential to address clinical and logistic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persistence of Antibodies to 2 Virus-Like Particle Norovirus Vaccine Candidate Formulations in Healthy Adults: 1-Year Follow-up With Memory Probe Vaccination

2019 ◽  
Vol 220 (4) ◽  
pp. 603-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L Atmar ◽  
Frank Baehner ◽  
Jakob P Cramer ◽  
Eric Lloyd ◽  
James Sherwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Primary Vaccination ◽  
Immune Memory ◽  
Virus Like Particle ◽  
Memory Probe ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
With Memory

AbstractBackgroundWe previously reported the tolerability and immunogenicity 1 month after intramuscular administration of 2 bivalent virus-like particle (VLP)–based candidate norovirus vaccine formulations in adults. We now describe the persistence of immunity and responses to a memory probe vaccination 1 year later.MethodsA total of 454 healthy men and women aged 18–49 years in 3 equal groups received placebo (saline) or 15/50 or 50/50 vaccine formulations (ie, 15 or 50 µg of GI.1 genotype VLPs, respectively, and 50 µg of GII.4c VLPs) with MPL and Al(OH)3. Immunogenicity and safety were assessed up to day 365, when 351 participants received a memory probe vaccination of 15 µg each of GI.1 and GII.4c VLPs with Al(OH)3.ResultsNo safety signals were detected up to 1 year after the first vaccination. Pan-immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin A, and histo-blood group antigen–blocking (HBGA) antibody levels among vaccinees waned but remained higher than levels before vaccination and levels in placebo recipients on days 180 and 365. Memory probe vaccination increased all antibody titers. Levels of HBGA antibodies to GI.1 but not GII.4c were higher after the first vaccination in candidate vaccine groups, compared with those in the placebo group.ConclusionLevels of antibodies to both candidate norovirus VLP formulations persisted above baseline levels for at least 1 year after primary vaccination. HBGA-blocking responses to the memory probe for GI.1 but not GII.4c displayed characteristics of immune memory.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT02142504.

scholarly journals More rapid, robust and sustainable antibody responses to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in convalescent COVID-19 individuals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina E Racine-Brzostek ◽  
Jim Yee ◽  
Ashley Sukhu ◽  
Yuqing Qiu ◽  
Sophie Rand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Antibody Response ◽  
Real World ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Antibody Levels

Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine antibody response under real-world conditions. This longitudinal study investigated the quantity and quality of SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in 846 specimens from 350 subjects: comparing BNT162b2-vaccinated individuals (19 previously diagnosed with COVID-19 [RecoVax]; 49 never been diagnosed [NaiveVax]) to 122 hospitalized unvaccinated (HospNoVax) and 160 outpatient unvaccinated (OutPtNoVax) COVID-19 patients. NaiveVax experienced a delay in generating SARS-CoV-2 total antibody levels (TAb) and neutralizing antibodies (SNAb) after the 1st vaccine dose (D1), but a rapid increase in antibody levels was observed after the 2nd dose (D2). However, these never reached the robust levels observed in RecoVax. In fact, NaiveVax TAb and SNAb levels decreased 4-weeks post-D2 (p=0.003;p<0.001). For the most part, RecoVax TAb persisted throughout this study, after reaching maximal levels 2-weeks post-D2; but SNAb decreased significantly ~6-months post-D1 (p=0.002). Although NaiveVax avidity lagged behind that of RecoVax for most of the follow-up periods, NaiveVax did reach similar avidity by ~6-months post-D1. These data suggest that one vaccine dose elicits maximal antibody response in RecoVax and may be sufficient. Also, despite decreasing levels in TAb and SNAb overtime, long-term avidity maybe a measure worth evaluating and possibly correlating to vaccine efficacy.

scholarly journals Antibody Response after BNT162b2 Vaccination in Healthcare Workers Previously Exposed and Not Exposed to SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 4204
Author(s):  
Marcello Salvaggio ◽  
Federica Fusina ◽  
Filippo Albani ◽  
Maurizio Salvaggio ◽  
Rasula Beschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Response ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Antibody Concentration ◽  
Clinical Documentation ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Effective Number ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Previous Infection ◽  
Antibody Levels

The Pfizer/BioNtech Comirnaty vaccine (BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19) against SARS-CoV-2 is currently in use in Italy. Antibodies to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 infection prior to administration are not routinely tested; therefore, two doses may be administered to asymptomatic previously exposed subjects. The aim of this study is to assess if any difference in antibody concentration between subjects exposed and not exposed to SARS-CoV-2 prior to BNT162b2 was present after the first dose and after the second dose of vaccine. Data were retrospectively collected from the clinical documentation of 337 healthcare workers who underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing before and after BNT162b2. Total anti RBD (receptor-binding domain) antibodies against SARS-CoV-2′s spike protein were measured before and 21 days after the first dose, and 12 days after the second dose of BNT162b2. Twenty-one days after the first dose, there was a statistically significant difference in antibody concentration between the two groups, which was also maintained twelve days after the second dose. In conclusion, antibody response after receiving BNT162b2 is greater in subjects who have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 than in subjects who have not been previously exposed to the virus, both after 21 days after the first dose and after 12 days from the second dose. Antibody levels, 21 days after the first dose, reached a titer considered positive by the test manufacturer in the majority of subjects who have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Evaluating previous infection prior to vaccination in order to give the least effective number of doses should be considered.

scholarly journals Positive Result by Serology Indicates ActiveHelicobacter pylori Infection in Patients with Atrophic Gastritis

1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1808-1810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arto Kokkola ◽  
Hilpi Rautelin ◽  
Pauli Puolakkainen ◽  
Pentti Sipponen ◽  
Martti Färkkilä ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breath Test ◽  
Eradication Therapy ◽  
Urea Breath Test ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Ongoing Infection ◽  
Corpus Gastritis

Patients with atrophic corpus gastritis and elevatedHelicobacter pylori antibody titers but13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) and histology results negative for H. pylori were randomized into eradication therapy or follow-up only. Antibody levels decreased significantly in six out of seven patients in the eradication group, while in the follow-up group, the titers declined in only one out of eight patients. In patients with atrophic corpus gastritis, positive serology results may indicate an ongoing infection in spite of negative13C-UBT and histology results.

scholarly journals A COVID-19 vaccine candidate using SpyCatcher multimerization of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain induces potent neutralising antibody responses

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiong Kit Tan ◽  
Pramila Rijal ◽  
Rolle Rahikainen ◽  
Anthony H. Keeble ◽  
Lisa Schimanski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Response ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Polyclonal Antibody ◽  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Cold Chain ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Cell Infection ◽  
Protein Receptor

ABSTRACTThere is dire need for an effective and affordable vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 to tackle the ongoing pandemic. In this study, we describe a modular virus-like particle vaccine candidate displaying the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD) using SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology (RBD-SpyVLP). Low doses of RBD-SpyVLP in a prime-boost regimen induced a strong neutralising antibody response in mice and pigs that was superior to convalescent human sera. We evaluated antibody quality using ACE2 blocking and neutralisation of cell infection by pseudovirus or wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Using competition assays with a monoclonal antibody panel, we showed that RBD-SpyVLP induced a polyclonal antibody response that recognised all key epitopes on the RBD, reducing the likelihood of selecting neutralisation-escape mutants. The induction of potent and polyclonal antibody responses by RBD-SpyVLP provides strong potential to address clinical and logistic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, RBD-SpyVLP is highly resilient, thermostable and can be lyophilised without losing immunogenicity, to facilitate global distribution and reduce cold-chain dependence.

scholarly journals Polymersomes decorated with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain elicit robust humoral and cellular immunity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa R Volpatti ◽  
Rachel P Wallace ◽  
Shijie Cao ◽  
Michal Raczy ◽  
Ruyi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Antibody Response ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Vaccination Site ◽  
Monophosphoryl Lipid A ◽  
Protein Receptor

A diverse portfolio of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates is needed to combat the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we developed a subunit nanovaccine by conjugating SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) to the surface of oxidation-sensitive polymersomes. We evaluated the humoral and cellular responses of mice immunized with these surface-decorated polymersomes (RBDsurf) compared to RBD-encapsulated polymersomes (RBDencap) and unformulated RBD (RBDfree), using monophosphoryl lipid A-encapsulated polymersomes (MPLA PS) as an adjuvant. While all three groups produced high titers of RBD-specific IgG, only RBDsurf elicited a neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 comparable to that of human convalescent plasma. Moreover, RBDsurf was the only group to significantly increase the proportion of RBD-specific germinal center B cells in the vaccination-site draining lymph nodes. Both RBDsurf and RBDencap drove similarly robust CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses that produced multiple Th1-type cytokines. We conclude that multivalent surface display of Spike RBD on polymersomes promotes a potent neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, while both antigen formulations promote robust T cell immunity.

An AS04-containing human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 vaccine for prevention of cervical cancer is immunogenic and well-tolerated in women 15–55 years old

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1008-1008 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. F. Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Cervical Lesions ◽  
Hpv 16 ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Antibody Levels

1008 Background: Genital HPV infections can be acquired shortly after sexual debut, and the risk remains throughout a sexually active woman’s lifetime. In women 15–25 years of age, the AS04-containing HPV vaccine was highly immunogenic and conferred 100% protection against HPV-16/18 persistent infection and associated cervical lesions up to 27 months. In the long-term follow-up of this study, sustained vaccine efficacy has been observed up to 48 months. The present phase III study (580299/014) assessed immune responses to the AS04-containing HPV-16/18 vaccine in women 26–55 years old compared with women 15–25 years old. Methods: Healthy women in Germany and Poland between 15 and 55 years of age received 3 doses of HPV-16/18 AS04-containing vaccine at months 0, 1, and 6. The groups were age stratified: 15–25 (n=229), 26–45 (n=226), and 46–55 (n=211). Anti-HPV-16/18 antibody titers were assessed at months 0, 2, 7, and 12 by ELISA (EU/mL). Seropositivity rates and geometric mean antibody titers (GMTs) were calculated for all groups. Safety was assessed after each dose in all participants. Results: All initially seronegative women became seropositive for both HPV 16 and 18 at Month 2. At Month 7, HPV-16 GMTs (95% CI) were 7908.4 (6874.0–9098.5) in 15–25 year olds, 4029.2 (3402.7–4771.0) in 26–45 year olds, and 2566.8 (2181.2–3020.6) in 46–55 year olds. For HPV-18, GMTs were 3499.3 (3098.7–3951.6) in 15–25 year olds, 1837.3 (1602.1–2107.0) in 26–45 year olds, and 1313.0 (1145.6–1504.9) in 46–55 year olds. Overall the vaccine was well-tolerated, and the incidence of local symptoms (within 30 days) tended to be lower in the 46–55 year-old group (69.2% versus 81.6% [26–45] and 85.7% [15–25]). Conclusions: An AS04-containing HPV-16/18 vaccine was immunogenic and generally safe in 15–55 year-old females. As observed with other vaccines, GMTs decreased with age, however, the Month 7 postvaccination antibody levels in the oldest age group (46–55) were still 3–4 times higher than those observed during a separate long-term follow-up study where sustained efficacy has been observed up to 48 months. [Table: see text]

Depressed T Cells Following Neonatal Steroid Treatment

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-67
Author(s):  
Tania Gunn ◽  
Elena R. Reece ◽  
Katherine Metrakos ◽  
Eleanor Colle
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Complement Components ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
C3 Receptors ◽  
Abnormal Eegs ◽  
Immunoglobulin Levels

Forty-four patients received two doses of 12.5 mg/kg of hydrocortisone or placebo on the first day of life in attempted therapy for respiratory distress syndrome. Follow-up studies were performed on survivors at 5 years of age in ten steroid-treated and seven placebo-treated respiratory distress syndrome subjects. There were no significant differences in growth, intelligence tests, or neurologic examinations in the patients assessed. Abnormal EEGs are present in both groups. Immunologic tests showed no differences in lymphocyte counts, immunoglobulin levels, diphtheria and tetanus antibody titers, or complement components. Diminished percentages of T lymphocytes were found in steroid patients (53%) compared to control subjects (69%). There were also increased percentages of lymphocytes with C3 receptors in steroid patients (20.1%) compared to control patients (13.8%). Episodes of otitis and/or pneumonia were documented in eight of 11 steroid-treated patients between the ages of 1 and 5 years, compared to two of seven patients in the placebo group in the same time period. It is concluded that large doses of steroids on the first day of life may induce lasting immunologic abnormalities and may predispose to an increased incidence of infections.

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