Sharing some real world data on antibody responses to the Pfizer mRNA vaccine. We tested serum from 23 participants (median age 82) vaccinated with the first dose 3 weeks previously.
Serum IgG antibodies against Spike were measured with a luminex assay. Virus neutralisation by participant serum was measured with a virus pseudotyping system where virus particles are made that express the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. The figure shows that the two were correlated.
All participants under 80 (n=8) demonstrated reasonable neutralisation titres against wild type virus (D614G). However, 7/15 of those above 80 failed to neutralise virus to 50%. In blue and purple are participants who neutralised virus. In grey is a participant that did not.
This last figure summarises the data. We should be able to report the findings for the B.1.1.7 virus early next week. We need to see whether the second dose will generate responses in these seven individuals whose responses after first dose were suboptima/absent.
This is important because we need to know whether vaccinees are indeed protected, and data in older persons are lacking. Huge thanks to the team, including CUH Occ health, NIHR Bioresource @damicollier@rpdatir@CambridgeBRC@CUH_NHS
should add that the neutralisation data were done twice and independently with each dot representing the mean of the two experiments for each participant
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B1.1.7 has more than 20 changes in genetic code, of which 8 are in the Spike protein (shown below). Spike is the target of many of our immune and vaccine responses. These changes can alter the shape of the spike, and that is why scientists are worried about viruses like this.
The numbers infected with B1.1.7 has been growing faster than other UK variants based on independent data sources. This variant of SARS-CoV-2 is therefore thought to be more transmissible by around 50%. Data suggest it does not lead to more severe illness however.
The N501Y mutation is in an important area called the receptor binding domain that interacts with our cells directly. N501Y has been reported to increase binding, though could play a role in avoiding antibodies. This mutation has formed clusters in a number of countries.
The first evidence of in vivo SARS-CoV-2 escape from antibodies: emergent Spike deletion H69/V70 and D796H mutation in a convalescent plasma (CP) treated patient. These mutations conferred reduced susceptibility to the CP and sera from multiple donors. medrxiv.org/content/10.110…
Clinical case summary. Individual with lymphoma treated with B cell depletion therapy (rituximab).
Phylogenetic analysis of published cases demonstrates diversity of SARS-COV-2 virus in long term shedders. This case is in green.