Publications by authors named "Jeremy M Nell"
Pronounced immune escape by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has resulted in many individuals possessing hybrid immunity, generated through a combination of vaccination and infection. Concerns have been raised that omicron breakthrough infections in triple-vaccinated individuals result in poor induction of omicron-specific immunity, and that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with immune dampening. Taking a broad and comprehensive approach, we characterize mucosal and blood immunity to spike and non-spike antigens following BA.
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- The study examines the immune responses in UK healthcare workers after vaccination with BNT162b2 or AZD1222, focusing on the effects of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection on these responses.
- Over 6-9 months, researchers found that while antibody levels declined, T and memory B cell responses remained stable; booster doses effectively increased antibody levels and enhanced immunity against variants.
- Prior infection significantly enhanced T cell responses, which persisted for at least six months after vaccination, indicating that "hybrid" immunity (from both infection and vaccination) may lead to better protection against severe illness.
Background: Individuals with primary and secondary immunodeficiency (PID/SID) were shown to be at risk of poor outcomes during the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines demonstrate reduced immunogenicity in these patients.
Objectives: To understand whether the risk of severe COVID-19 in individuals with PID or SID has changed following the deployment of vaccination and therapeutics in the context of the emergence of novel viral variants of concern.