SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Lymphocytes Analysis in MRNA-Vaccinated Patients with B-Cell Lymphoid Malignancies on Active Treatment

Overview

Journal Vaccines (Basel)

Date 2024 Sep 28

PMID 39339993

Authors

Patricia Garcia Ramirez

Marta Callejas Charavia

Raquel Oliva Martin

Ana Maria Gomez La Hoz

Miguel Angel Ortega

Julio Garcia Suarez

Melchor Alvarez-Mon

Jorge Monserrat Sanz

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Patients with B-lymphocyte malignancies (BCMs) receiving B-lymphocyte-targeted therapies have increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes and impaired antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in comparison to non-hematologic oncologic patients or general population. Consequently, it is vital to explore vaccine-induced T-lymphocyte responses in patients referred for the understanding of immune protection against SARS-CoV2 infections. The objective of the present study was to analyze the recall immune responses carried out by T lymphocytes after two COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses.

Methods: We enrolled 40 patients with BCMs and 10 healthy controls (HCs) after 4 weeks from the second mRNA vaccine dose. Spike (S)-specific T-lymphocyte responses were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes (PBMCs) by intracellular IFN-γ staining combined with flow cytometry. Furthermore, the humoral response was assessed with the measurement of anti-spike antibodies.

Results: From March to July 2021, 40 patients (median age 68) received mRNA vaccines. The overall antibody response for BCMs was 52.5% versus 100% for the healthy controls ( = 0.008). The antibody response was different across BCMs: 18.75% for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 54.5% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 92.3% for multiple myeloma. Responses varied by malignancy type and treatment, with anti-CD20 therapies showing the lowest response (6.7%). T-lymphocyte analysis revealed reduced numbers and altered differentiation stages in patients compared to the controls. However, the vaccine-induced T response was generally robust, with variations in specific T subpopulations.

Conclusions: mRNA vaccines induced significant humoral and cellular immune responses in B-cell lymphoid malignancy patients, although responses varied by treatment type and malignancy. Further research is needed to optimize vaccination strategies in this population.

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