T-cell response following COVID booster vaccination in seronegative people with multiple sclerosis. Issue 9 (12th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tallantyre, Emma; Vickaryous, Nicola; Richards, Aidan; Rios, Francesca; George, Katila; Scurr, Martin; Godkin, Andrew; Loveless, Samantha; Dobson, Ruth
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 93:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: e2
• Publication Date: 2022-08-12
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-abn2.25
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Attenuated vaccine response is a concern in people receiving immunosuppression. It is unclear whether booster vaccinations improve immunity in this context. Methods: T-cell and antibody responses to Sars-COV-2 RBD (spike protein) were measured following third COVID-19 vaccine (v3) in people with MS who were IgG seronegative after vaccines 1&2. Results: 41 people with MS (30:11 female:male; mean age 45.6 years) were included; 28 receiving ocreli- zumab and 6 fingolimod, the remainder were on other immunosuppressants. Samples were taken 4-8 weeks following v3. Anti-RBD seroconversion after v3 occurred in 10/28 (36%) on ocrelizumab and 5/6 (83%) on fingolimod. T-cell responses were detected in 24/28 (86%) treated with ocrelizumab and 0/6 (0%) treated with fingolimod. All those with T-cell responses had seroconverted. There was an association between evidence of previous infection and seroconversion (p=0.0025), but not T-cell response to vaccination following v3 (Fisher's exact p=0.2). Four patients (all on ocrelizumab) had experienced confirmed COVID since March 2020; 2 were admitted to hospital. Conclusions: Seroconversion occurs in a proportion of seronegative people following COVID-19 vaccine dose 3. T-cell response is frequently seen despite the lack of humoral immunity. The clinical correlates of antibody and T cell responses to COVID-19 remain to be established.