Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global (Nov 2023)

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination induces an intranasal mucosal response characterized by neutralizing antibodies

  • Kevin T. Cao, BS,
  • Catalina Cobos-Uribe, MSc,
  • Noelle Knight, MS,
  • Rithika Jonnalagadda,
  • Carole Robinette, MS,
  • Ilona Jaspers, PhD,
  • Meghan E. Rebuli, PhD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 4
p. 100129

Abstract

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Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccine-induced systemic antibody profiles are well characterized; however, little is known about whether intranasal mucosal antibodies are induced or can neutralize virus in response to mRNA vaccination. Objective: We sought to evaluate intranasal mucosal antibody production with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Methods: SARS-CoV-2–specific IgG and IgA concentrations and neutralization activity from sera and nasal mucosa via nasal epithelial lining fluid (NELF) collection were measured in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA–vaccinated healthy volunteers (N = 29) by using multiplex immunoassays. Data were compared before and after vaccination, between mRNA vaccine brands, and by sex. Results: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination induced an intranasal immune response characterized by neutralizing mucosal antibodies. IgG antibodies displayed greater Spike 1 (S1) binding specificity than did IgA in serum and nasal mucosa. Nasal antibodies displayed greater neutralization activity against the receptor-binding domain than serum. Spikevax (Moderna)-vaccinated individuals displayed greater SARS-CoV-2–specific IgG and IgA antibody concentrations than did Comirnaty (BioNTech/Pfizer)-vaccinated individuals in their serum and nasal epithelial lining fluid. Sex-dependent differences in antibody response were not observed. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination induces a robust systemic and intranasal antibody production with neutralizing capacity. Spikevax vaccinations elicit a greater antibody response than does Comirnaty vaccination systemically and intranasally.

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