Study of the cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Faustine Montmaneix-Engels,
Chloé Dimeglio,
Laeticia Staes,
Isabelle Da Silva,
Marion Porcheron,
Isabelle Jougla,
Fabrice Hérin,
Jacques Izopet
Affiliations
Faustine Montmaneix-Engels
INSERM UMR1291-CNRS UMR5051-University Toulouse III, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, 31300, Toulouse, France; Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, 31062, Toulouse, France; Corresponding author.Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, 31062, Toulouse, France.
Chloé Dimeglio
INSERM UMR1291-CNRS UMR5051-University Toulouse III, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, 31300, Toulouse, France; CHU Toulouse, Purpan Hospital, Virology Laboratory, 31300, Toulouse, France
Laeticia Staes
CHU Toulouse, Purpan Hospital, Virology Laboratory, 31300, Toulouse, France
Isabelle Da Silva
CHU Toulouse, Purpan Hospital, Virology Laboratory, 31300, Toulouse, France
Marion Porcheron
CHU Toulouse, Purpan Hospital, Virology Laboratory, 31300, Toulouse, France
Isabelle Jougla
Occupational Diseases Department, Toulouse University Hospital, 31000, Toulouse, France
Fabrice Hérin
Occupational Diseases Department, Toulouse University Hospital, 31000, Toulouse, France; UMR1295, Joint Research Unit INSERM- University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Centre for Epidemiology and Research in Population Health Unit (CERPOP), 31000, Toulouse, France
Jacques Izopet
INSERM UMR1291-CNRS UMR5051-University Toulouse III, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, 31300, Toulouse, France; Toulouse III Paul Sabatier University, 31062, Toulouse, France; CHU Toulouse, Purpan Hospital, Virology Laboratory, 31300, Toulouse, France
Our understanding of cellular immunity in response to COVID-19 infection or vaccination is limited because of less commonly used techniques. We investigated both the cellular and humoral immune responses before and after the administration of a third dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among a group of healthcare workers. Cellular immunity was evaluated using the VIDAS interferon-gamma (IFNγ) RUO test, which enables automated measurement of IFNγ levels after stimulating peripheral blood lymphocytes.Booster doses significantly enhanced both cellular and humoral immunity. Concerning cellular response, the booster dose increased the percentage of positive IFNγ release assay (IGRA) results but no difference in IFNγ release was found. The cellular response was not associated with protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, vaccinated and infected healthcare workers exhibited the highest levels of anti-spike and neutralizing antibodies.In conclusion, the IGRA is a simple method for measuring cellular immune responses after vaccination. However, its usefulness as a complement to the study of humoral responses is yet to be demonstrated in future research.
