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Paper reading 8 - Pan-Sarbecovirus Neutralizing Antibodies in BNT162b2-Immunized SARS-CoV-1 Survivors

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截屏2023-09-06 19.30.06

One sentence summary

Research indicates that SARS-CoV-1 survivors immunized with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine produce potent antibodies capable of neutralizing current and potential future SARS-CoV-2 variants, suggesting the possibility of a universal sarbecovirus vaccine.

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic, initiated by SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, shares genetic similarities with SARS-CoV-1, the virus responsible for the 2002–2003 SARS outbreak which resulted in over 8,000 infections and over 700 deaths globally. Both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 belong to the SARS-related coronavirus species, with distinct phylogenetic classifications. Despite their genetic differences, the urgent need for effective vaccines against these and potential future strains is evident.

截屏2023-09-06 19.33.36

Method

  1. Two surrogate virus neutralization tests (sVNTs) were employed, with the singleplex sVNTs for SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 previously described and the SARS-CoV-2 sVNT kit commercialized as cPass.
  2. For multiplex sVNTs, the Luminex platform was adapted, using AviTag-biotinylated receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins from 10 different sarbecoviruses coated on microspheres, which were then preincubated with serum and subsequently with phycoerythrin (PE)–conjugated human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).
  3. B-cell profiling was conducted using flow-cytometry analysis on cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Discussion

  1. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants underscores the need for a vaccine that can address both current and future variants, leading to the concept of a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine.
  2. The study’s findings suggest that potent cross-clade pan-sarbecovirus neutralizing antibodies can be induced, offering broad-spectrum protection against known and potential future sarbecoviruses.
  3. The presence of these antibodies, especially in SARS-CoV-1 survivors who have been immunized, paves the way for the feasibility of a comprehensive pan-sarbecovirus vaccine strategy.

Reading summary

What is the motivation?

  • The motivation behind this study is the global challenge posed by the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, which may compromise the effectiveness of current vaccines. Recognizing the potential threat of both existing and future variants, as well as other sarbecoviruses that might emerge, there’s a pressing need to develop a vaccine that offers broader protection. The ideal solution would be a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine that not only addresses known variants but also provides immunity against potential future strains, ensuring better preparedness for subsequent outbreaks and safeguarding global health.

What is the novelty & contribution?

  1. The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of the potential for a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine, a concept that goes beyond the current generation of vaccines targeting specific SARS-CoV-2 strains. By examining the neutralizing antibody responses in survivors of SARS-CoV-1 infection who have been immunized with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, the study provides groundbreaking data on the induction of potent cross-clade pan-sarbecovirus neutralizing antibodies. These antibodies are not only effective against known SARS-CoV-2 variants but also against sarbecoviruses found in bats and pangolins, which have the potential to infect humans.
  2. The study’s contribution is significant as it paves the way for the development of a more comprehensive vaccine strategy, offering broader protection against a wider range of coronaviruses, both known and yet to emerge.