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Population Immunity and Persistence to SARS-CoV-2 Induced by Infection and...
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Population Immunity and Persistence to SARS-CoV-2 Induced by Infection and Vaccination, Protection against New Infections and Implication for Further Vaccination

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 10582

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Juan Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Interests: infectious diseases; vaccine; disease burden; vaccine efficacy/effectiveness/impact; health economic evaluation; vaccination policy; seroepidemiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Although the World Health Organization declared the end to COVID-19’s emergency phase, SARS-CoV-2 will be around for a long time and the risk of new variants remains. Having a good knowledge of the population immunity landscape and dynamics and understanding its protection against infections of variants and the severity after infections are critical for policymaking on actions that countries should take in the new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, global, regional, and national population immunity and their dynamic changes remain unknown since it is complex and varied due to disparity of infection history and vaccination coverage across the world. The Special Issue aims to collect the latest research results on the sero-epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccination. With this in mind, we are pleased to invite the submission of original research articles and reviews investigating the infection incidence and its severity, population immunity landscape, the kinetics of antibodies following prior infections (with any variant), vaccination (particularly post-licensure), or both (hybrid immunity), protection (and cross-protection) against new variants infections, and providing new ideas for the COVID-19 vaccination strategy in the future.

Looking forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Juan Yang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • SARS-CoV-2
  • COVID-19
  • serology
  • population immunity
  • hybrid immunity
  • vaccination
  • antibody kinetics
  • cross-protection

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1061 KiB  
Article
The Improvement of Adaptive Immune Responses towards COVID-19 Following Diphtheria–Tetanus–Pertussis and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations in Indonesian Children: Exploring the Roles of Heterologous Immunity
by Theresia Santi, Juandy Jo, Alida Roswita Harahap, Retno Asti Werdhani, Sri Rezeki S. Hadinegoro, Ivo Novita SahBandar, Ari Prayitno, Zakiudin Munasir, Yvan Vandenplas and Badriul Hegar
Vaccines 2024, 12(9), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12091032 - 9 Sep 2024
Viewed by 781
Abstract
Background: Routine childhood vaccination, e.g., for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), might provide additional protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This concept of heterologous immunity was explored in healthy children receiving both DTP and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 154 [...] Read more.
Background: Routine childhood vaccination, e.g., for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP), might provide additional protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This concept of heterologous immunity was explored in healthy children receiving both DTP and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 154 healthy children aged 6–8 years old in Jakarta, Indonesia. Their vaccination status for the DTP (including a diphtheria–tetanus booster vaccine at 5 years old) and CoronaVac (from 6 years old) vaccines were recorded. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants, in which anti-diphtheria toxoid IgG and anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD antibodies and T cell-derived IFN-γ were measured. Results: The study participants with complete DTP vaccination had significantly higher titers of anti-diphtheria toxoid IgG than the ones without (median = 0.9349 versus 0.2113 IU/mL; p < 0.0001). Upon stratification based on DTP and CoronaVac vaccination statuses, the participants with complete DTP and CoronaVac vaccinations had the highest titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD antibodies (median = 1196 U/mL) and the highest concentration of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell-derived IFN-γ (median = 560.9 mIU/mL) among all the groups. Conclusions: Healthy children aged 6–8 years old with complete DTP and CoronaVac vaccinations exhibited stronger SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immune responses. This might suggest an additional benefit of routine childhood vaccination in generating protection against novel pathogens, presumably via heterologous immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Immunity and Persistence to SARS-CoV-2 Induced by Infection and Vaccination, Protection against New Infections and Implication for Further Vaccination)
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16 pages, 3322 KiB  
Article
Assessing Predictive Value of SARS-CoV-2 Epitope-Specific CD8+ T-Cell Response in Patients with Severe Symptoms
by Cristina Martín-Martín, Estefanía Salgado del Riego, Jose R. Vidal Castiñeira, Maria Soledad Zapico-Gonzalez, Mercedes Rodríguez-Pérez, Viviana Corte-Iglesias, Maria Laura Saiz, Paula Diaz-Bulnes, Dolores Escudero, Beatriz Suárez-Alvarez and Carlos López-Larrea
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060679 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1329
Abstract
Specific T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 provided an overview of acquired immunity during the pandemic. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity determines the severity of acute illness, but also might be related to the possible persistence of symptoms (long COVID). We retrospectively analyzed ex vivo longitudinal CD8 [...] Read more.
Specific T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 provided an overview of acquired immunity during the pandemic. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity determines the severity of acute illness, but also might be related to the possible persistence of symptoms (long COVID). We retrospectively analyzed ex vivo longitudinal CD8+ T cell responses in 26 COVID-19 patients diagnosed with severe disease, initially (1 month) and long-term (10 months), and in a cohort of 32 vaccinated healthcare workers without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. We used peptide-human leukocyte antigen (pHLA) dextramers recognizing 26 SARS-CoV-2-derived epitopes of viral and other non-structural proteins. Most patients responded to at least one of the peptides studied, mainly derived from non-structural ORF1ab proteins. After 10 months follow-up, CD8+ T cell responses were maintained at long term and reaction against certain epitopes (A*01:01-ORF1ab1637) was still detected and functional, showing a memory-like phenotype (CD127+ PD-1+). The total number of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells was significantly associated with protection against long COVID in these patients. Compared with vaccination, infected patients showed a less effective immune response to spike protein-derived peptides restricted by HLA. So, the A*01:01-S865 and A*24:02-S1208 dextramers were only recognized in vaccinated individuals. We conclude that initial SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cell response could be used as a marker to understand the evolution of severe disease and post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Immunity and Persistence to SARS-CoV-2 Induced by Infection and Vaccination, Protection against New Infections and Implication for Further Vaccination)
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12 pages, 636 KiB  
Article
The Human Genetic Differences in the Outcomes of mRNA Vaccination against COVID-19: A Prospective Cohort Study
by Ha-Eun Ryu, Jihyun Yoon, Ja-Eun Choi, Seok-Jae Heo, Kyung-Won Hong and Dong-Hyuk Jung
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060626 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1546
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore how genetic variations in individuals impact neutralization activity post-mRNA vaccination, recognizing the critical role vaccination plays in curbing COVID-19 spread and the necessity of ensuring vaccine efficacy amidst genetic diversity. Methods: In a 4-week clinical pilot study, [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to explore how genetic variations in individuals impact neutralization activity post-mRNA vaccination, recognizing the critical role vaccination plays in curbing COVID-19 spread and the necessity of ensuring vaccine efficacy amidst genetic diversity. Methods: In a 4-week clinical pilot study, 534 healthy subjects received their first COVID vaccine dose, followed by the second dose. Antibody levels were evaluated thrice. From this pool, 120 participants were selected and divided into high- and low-antibody groups based on their levels. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells for pilot genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted on a single platform. Real-time PCR was used to confirm differences in gene expression identified via GWAS analysis. Results: Three SNPs exceeded the level of p < 1.0 × 10−3. The rs7795433 SNP of the HDAC9 gene (7q21.1) showed the strongest association with COVID-19 vaccination under the additive model (OR = 5.63; p = 3 × 10−5). In the PCR experiments, the AA genotype group showed that the gene expression level of HDAC9 was likely to be decreased in the low-antibody-formation group at the time of vaccination. Conclusion: We found that AA genotype holders (rs7795433 SNP of the HDAC9 gene) have a high probability of having a higher antibody count when vaccinated, and GG type holders have a high probability of the opposite. These findings show that the genetic characteristics of vaccinated people may affect antibody production after COVID vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Immunity and Persistence to SARS-CoV-2 Induced by Infection and Vaccination, Protection against New Infections and Implication for Further Vaccination)
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15 pages, 3612 KiB  
Article
Antibody Response after Homologous and Heterologous Prime–Boost COVID-19 Vaccination in a Bangladeshi Residential University Cohort
by Nihad Adnan, Md. Ahsanul Haq, Salma Akter, S. M. Shafiul Alam Sajal, Md. Fokhrul Islam, Taslin Jahan Mou, Mohd. Raeed Jamiruddin, Fatema Tuz Jubyda, Md. Salequl Islam, Jamsheda Ferdous Tuli, Syeda Moriam Liza, Sharif Hossain, Zinia Islam, Sohel Ahmed, Shahad Saif Khandker, Rubel Hossain, Md. Firoz Ahmed, Mohib Ullah Khondoker, Nafisa Azmuda and Md. Anowar Khasru Parvez
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050482 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2302
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination strategies, including heterologous prime–boost regimens and additional booster doses, aim to optimize immune responses. However, seroepidemiological studies on immune responses to different COVID-19 vaccine types and schedules remain limited. This study investigated antibody levels following homologous and heterologous prime-and-boost COVID-19 vaccination [...] Read more.
COVID-19 vaccination strategies, including heterologous prime–boost regimens and additional booster doses, aim to optimize immune responses. However, seroepidemiological studies on immune responses to different COVID-19 vaccine types and schedules remain limited. This study investigated antibody levels following homologous and heterologous prime-and-boost COVID-19 vaccination in Bangladesh. In a cohort of 606 participants who received first/second/booster doses of vaccines (AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Sinopharm), anti-spike IgG and anti-nucleocapsid IgG levels were measured. Antibody titer variations with respect to age, gender, intervals between doses, and prior infection status were analyzed. mRNA vaccines elicited the highest antibody levels after homologous and heterologous boosting. The AstraZeneca booster resulted in a sharp titer decline rate of ~0.04 units per day. Second or booster vaccine doses significantly increased antibody levels, especially in males (p < 0.05). Older age correlated with higher titers, likely reflecting previous infection, which was further confirmed by the elevation of anti-nucleocapsid IgG levels. About 95.5% of non-Sinopharm recipients were anti-nucleocapsid IgG positive, suggesting prior exposure exceeding self-reported infections (12.5%). mRNA and heterologous COVID-19 boosting enhances humoral immunity over homologous prime–boost vector/inactivated vaccination. However, waning immunity merits further investigation across vaccine platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Immunity and Persistence to SARS-CoV-2 Induced by Infection and Vaccination, Protection against New Infections and Implication for Further Vaccination)
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17 pages, 2299 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Clinical Factors and SARS-CoV-2 Variants on Antibody Production in Vaccinated German Healthcare Professionals Infected Either with the Delta or the Omicron Variant
by Catharina Gerhards, Marlene Steingass, Alexandra Heininger, Bettina Lange, Michael Hetjens, Marlis Gerigk, Michael Neumaier, Osman Evliyaoglu and Maximilian Kittel
Vaccines 2024, 12(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12020163 - 5 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
Background: The aim of the rapid introduction of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and a less frequent occurrence of severe COVID-19 courses. Thus, we evaluated COVID-19 severity in vaccinated individuals to examine variant-specific symptom characteristics and their [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of the rapid introduction of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic was a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and a less frequent occurrence of severe COVID-19 courses. Thus, we evaluated COVID-19 severity in vaccinated individuals to examine variant-specific symptom characteristics and their clinical impact on the serological immune response. Methods: A total of 185 individuals previously vaccinated against and infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) or Omicron (BA.4 and BA.5) variant, were enrolled for anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-N- and anti-RBD/S1-Ig level detection. A structured survey regarding medical history was conducted. Results: In 99.5 percent of cases, outpatient treatment was satisfactory. Specific symptoms associated with variants included ageusia and anosmia in patients with Delta infections and throat pain in Omicron infections. Among Delta-infected individuals with specific symptoms, significantly higher levels of anti-N antibodies were observed. Conclusion: Our study identified variant-specific differences in the amount of SARS-CoV-2 antibody production and COVID-19 symptoms. Despite this, vaccinated individuals with Omicron or Delta infections generally experienced mild disease courses. Additionally, asymptomatic individuals exhibit lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels, indicating a clinical correlation between disease-specific antibodies and distinct symptoms, particularly in the case of the Delta variant. In follow-up studies, exploring post-COVID syndrome and focusing on cognitive symptoms in the acute phase of Omicron infections is crucial as it has the potential to longitudinally impact the lives of those affected. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Immunity and Persistence to SARS-CoV-2 Induced by Infection and Vaccination, Protection against New Infections and Implication for Further Vaccination)
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17 pages, 1758 KiB  
Article
Immunogenicity of Intradermal Versus Intramuscular BNT162b2 COVID-19 Booster Vaccine in Patients with Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Diseases: A Non-Inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial
by Chutima Seree-aphinan, Ploysyne Rattanakaemakorn, Poonkiat Suchonwanit, Kunlawat Thadanipon, Yanisa Ratanapokasatit, Tanat Yongpisarn, Kumthorn Malathum, Pornchai Simaroj, Chavachol Setthaudom, Onchuma Lohjai, Somsak Tanrattanakorn and Kumutnart Chanprapaph
Vaccines 2024, 12(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12010073 - 11 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1965
Abstract
The intradermal route has emerged as a dose-sparing alternative during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its efficacy in healthy populations, its immunogenicity has not been tested in immune-mediated dermatologic disease (IMDD) patients. This assessor-blinded, randomized-controlled, non-inferiority trial recruited patients with two [...] Read more.
The intradermal route has emerged as a dose-sparing alternative during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its efficacy in healthy populations, its immunogenicity has not been tested in immune-mediated dermatologic disease (IMDD) patients. This assessor-blinded, randomized-controlled, non-inferiority trial recruited patients with two representative IMDDs (i.e., psoriasis and autoimmune bullous diseases) to vaccinate with fractionated-dose intradermal (fID) or standard intramuscular (sIM) BNT162b2 vaccines as a fourth booster dose under block randomization stratified by age, sex, and their skin diseases. Post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and interferon-γ responses measured 4 and 12 weeks post-intervention were serological surrogates used for demonstrating treatment effects. Mean differences in log-normalized outcome estimates were calculated with multivariable linear regression adjusting for their baseline values, systemic immunosuppressants used, and prior COVID-19 vaccination history. The non-inferiority margin was set for fID to retain >80% immunogenicity of sIM. With 109 participants included, 53 received fID (all entered an intention-to-treat analysis). The fID demonstrated non-inferiority to sIM in humoral (mean outcome estimates of sIM: 3.3, ΔfID-sIM [mean, 95%CI]: −0.1, −0.3 to 0.0) and cellular (mean outcome estimates of sIM: 3.2, ΔfID-sIM [mean, 95%CI]: 0.1, −0.2 to 0.3) immunogenicity outcomes. Two psoriasis patients from the fID arm (3.8%) developed injection-site Koebner’s phenomenon. Fewer fID recipients experienced post-vaccination fever (fID vs. sIM: 1.9% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.027). The overall incidence of disease flare-ups was low without a statistically significant difference between groups. The intradermal BNT162b2 vaccine is a viable booster option for IMDD patients troubled by post-vaccination fever; its role in mitigating the risk of flare-ups remains unclear. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Immunity and Persistence to SARS-CoV-2 Induced by Infection and Vaccination, Protection against New Infections and Implication for Further Vaccination)
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