Immune Response to BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Patients Living with HIV: The COVIH-DAPT Study

Overview

Journal Front Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2023 Mar 23

PMID 36949938

Authors

Sabrina Manni

Caroline Ruetsch

Roxane Fabre

Michel Ticchioni

Daisy Graca

Christian Pradier

Barbara Seitz-Polski

Laurene Lotte

Vesna Brglez

Matteo Vassallo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Data on immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients living with HIV (PLWH) over a period longer than 3 months are currently limited. We measured the immune response after BNT162b2 vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in this population.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled PLWH on successful antiretroviral therapy, initiating vaccination with two doses of the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administered at six-week interval. SARS-CoV-2 humoral and cellular responses and lymphocyte cell subsets were recorded at inclusion and 6 weeks (W6), 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6) later. Humoral, humoral strong and cellular responders were defined by IgG titers >10, ≥264BAU/mL and IFN-γ T cell release, respectively.

Results: Nineteen subjects without SARS-CoV-2 infection were included (74% men, mean age 51 years, CD4 nadir 399/mm3). All subjects were humoral responders, their antibody titer peak reached at M3. Strong responders' rates were 63% and 21% at M3 and M6, respectively. CD19+CD10+ B cells had increased significantly at W6 then decreased at M3, while CD19+CD27+ B cells remained unchanged. Rates of patients with a cellular response increased from 39% at W6 to 69% at M6. Cellular responders had significantly higher CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ Effector Memory cells at inclusion (p=0.048, p=0.024, p=0.012, respectively) and CD4+ Terminally Differentiated Effector Memory cells at M3 (p=0.044).

Discussion: PLWH have a robust immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, but a rapid decline in humoral response from 3 months onwards, due to a blunted memory B cell response. Analysis of lymphocyte subsets may help identify optimal times for vaccine boosters.

Citing Articles

SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies to B.1 and to BA.5 Variant after Booster Dose of BNT162b2 Vaccine in HIV Patients COVID-Naïve and on Successful Antiretroviral Therapy.

Vicenti I, Basso M, Pirola N, Bragato B, Rossi M, Giobbia M Vaccines (Basel). 2023; 11(4).

PMID: 37112782 PMC: 10144758. DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040871.

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