HLA Class II Polymorphism and Humoral Immunity Induced by the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 Vaccine.

Juan Francisco Gutiérrez-Bautista,Francisco Ruiz-Cabello,Esther Gómez-Vicente,Javier Rodríguez-Granger,Juan Antonio Reguera,Fernando Cobo,Miguel Ángel López-Nevot,Antonio Sampedro

doi:10.3390/vaccines10030402

Abstract

The vaccines designed against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are based on the spike (S) protein. Processing of the S protein by antigen-presenting cells (APC) and its subsequent presentation to T cells is an essential part of the development of a humoral response. HLA-class II alleles are considered immune response genes because their codified molecules, expressed on the surface of APCs (macrophages, dendritic, and B cells) present antigenic peptides to T cell via their T cell receptor (TCR). The HLA-class II genes are highly polymorphic, regulating what specific peptides induce follicular helper T cells (TFH) and promote B lymphocyte differentiation into plasma or memory B cells. This work hypothesizes that the presence of certain HLA-class II alleles could be associated with the intensity of the humoral response (amount, length) to the SARS-CoV2 mRNA 1273 vaccine. We have studied the relationship between the HLA-class II typing of 87 health workers and the level of antibodies produced 30 days after vaccination. We show a possible association between the HLA-DRB1* 07:01 allele and the HLA-DRB1*07:01~DQA1*02:01~DQB1*02:02 haplotype to a higher production of antibodies 30 days after the administration of the second dose of mRNA-1273.

Highlights

Since December 2019, the rapid expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has resulted in a severe pandemic affecting the entire planet [1]
We have studied the relationship between HLA class II polymorphism and humoral immunity generated by the SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA (mRNA)-1273 vaccine in a cohort of 87 health workers from University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves
We based our classification on the distribution of anti-S antibodies levels in a cohort of 601 vaccinated individuals (Vaccinated control group)

Summary

Introduction

Since December 2019, the rapid expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has resulted in a severe pandemic affecting the entire planet [1]. The countermeasures carried out, such as confinement, face masks, use of disinfectant gels, etc. Have been of great help to combat the spread of the virus [2]. The development of vaccines against the virus is vitally important to avoid serious illness and death [3,4]. The mRNA-1273 vaccine employs messenger RNA (mRNA) technology and encodes a stabilized version of the SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike glycoprotein trimer [3]. The administration guideline requires two doses of 100 μg separated by 28 days [3]. A good general response is observed at the beginning [7]. A decrease in the circulating level of anti-Spike (anti-S) antibodies is observed [8]

Methods

Results

Conclusion