Neutralizing Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron BA.1 following Homologous CoronaVac Booster Vaccination

Abstract

Emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants have reduced susceptibility to neutralization by vaccines. In response to the constantly updated variants, a global vaccine booster vaccination program has been launched. In this study, we detected neutralizing antibody levels against wild-type (WT), Delta (B1.617.2), and Omicron BA.1 viruses in serum after each dose of CoronaVac vaccination. We found that booster vaccination significantly increased the levels of neutralizing antibodies against WT, Delta, and Omicron BA.1. Compared with only one vaccination, neutralizing antibody levels increased by 19.2–21.6-fold after a booster vaccination, whilst two vaccinations only produced a 1.5–3.4-fold increase. Our results support the conclusion that the CoronaVac vaccine booster can increase neutralizing antibody levels and cross-reactivity and enhance the body’s ability to effectively resist the infection of new coronavirus variants, emphasizing the need for booster vaccination.

Keywords

• neutralizing antibodies
• CoronaVac
• SARS-CoV-2
• booster dose