A broadly-neutralizing antibody against Ebolavirus glycoprotein that potentiates the breadth and neutralization potency of other antibodies.

Ebolavirus disease (EVD) is caused by multiple species of Ebolavirus. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the virus glycoprotein (GP) are the only class of therapeutic approved for treatment of EVD caused by Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV). Therefore, mAbs targeting multiple Ebolavirus species may represent the next generation of EVD therapeutics. Broadly reactive anti-GP mAbs were produced; among these, mAbs 11886 and 11883 were broadly neutralizing in vitro. A 3.0 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of EBOV GP bound to both mAbs shows that 11886 binds a novel epitope bridging the glycan cap (GC), 310 pocket and GP2 N-terminus, whereas 11883 binds the receptor binding region (RBR) and GC. In vitro, 11886 synergized with a range of mAbs with epitope specificities spanning the RBR/GC, including 11883. Notably, 11886 increased the breadth of neutralization by partner mAbs against different Ebolavirus species. These data provide a strategic route to design improved mAb-based next-generation EVD therapeutics.

Computational mining of B cell receptor repertoires reveals antigen-specific and convergent responses to Ebola vaccination.

Outbreaks of Ebolaviruses, such as Sudanvirus (SUDV) in Uganda in 2022, demonstrate that species other than the Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), which is currently the sole virus represented in current licensed vaccines, remain a major threat to global health. There is a pressing need to develop effective pan-species vaccines and novel monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for Ebolavirus disease. In response to recent outbreaks, the two dose, heterologous Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo vaccine regimen was developed and was tested in a large phase II clinical trial (EBL2001) as part of the EBOVAC2 consortium. Here, we perform bulk sequencing of the variable heavy chain (VH) of B cell receptors (BCR) in forty participants from the EBL2001 trial in order to characterize the BCR repertoire in response to vaccination with Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo. We develop a comprehensive database, EBOV-AbDab, of publicly available Ebolavirus-specific antibody sequences. We then use our database to predict the antigen-specific component of the vaccinee repertoires. Our results show striking convergence in VH germline gene usage across participants following the MVA-BN-Filo dose, and provide further evidence of the role of IGHV3-15 and IGHV3-13 antibodies in the B cell response to Ebolavirus glycoprotein. Furthermore, we found that previously described Ebola-specific mAb sequences present in EBOV-AbDab were sufficient to describe at least one of the ten most expanded BCR clonotypes in more than two thirds of our cohort of vaccinees following the boost, providing proof of principle for the utility of computational mining of immune repertoires.

The presence of broadly neutralizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibodies elicited by primary series and booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Antibody-mediated immunity plays a key role in protection against SARS-CoV-2. We characterized B-cell-derived anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibody repertoires from vaccinated and infected individuals and elucidate the mechanism of action of broadly neutralizing antibodies and dissect antibodies at the epitope level. The breadth and clonality of anti-RBD B cell response varies among individuals. The majority of neutralizing antibody clones lose or exhibit reduced activities against Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants. Nevertheless, a portion of anti-RBD antibody clones that develops after a primary series or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination exhibit broad neutralization against emerging Omicron BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BQ.1.1, XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16 variants. These broadly neutralizing antibodies share genetic features including a conserved usage of the IGHV3-53 and 3-9 genes and recognize three clustered epitopes of the RBD, including epitopes that partially overlap the classically defined set identified early in the pandemic. The Fab-RBD crystal and Fab-Spike complex structures corroborate the epitope grouping of antibodies and reveal the detailed binding mode of broadly neutralizing antibodies. Structure-guided mutagenesis improves binding and neutralization potency of antibody with Omicron variants via a single amino-substitution. Together, these results provide an immunological basis for partial protection against severe COVID-19 by the ancestral strain-based vaccine and indicate guidance for next generation monoclonal antibody development and vaccine design.

Semmaphorin 3 A causes immune suppression by inducing cytoskeletal paralysis in tumour-specific CD8+ T cells.

Semaphorin-3A (SEMA3A) functions as a chemorepulsive signal during development and can affect T cells by altering their filamentous actin (F-actin) cytoskeleton. The exact extent of these effects on tumour-specific T cells are not completely understood. Here we demonstrate that Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and Plexin-A1 and Plexin-A4 are upregulated on stimulated CD8+ T cells, allowing tumour-derived SEMA3A to inhibit T cell migration and assembly of the immunological synapse. Deletion of NRP1 in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells enhance CD8+ T-cell infiltration into tumours and restricted tumour growth in animal models. Conversely, over-expression of SEMA3A inhibit CD8+ T-cell infiltration. We further show that SEMA3A affects CD8+ T cell F-actin, leading to inhibition of immune synapse formation and motility. Examining a clear cell renal cell carcinoma patient cohort, we find that SEMA3A expression is associated with reduced survival, and that T-cells appear trapped in SEMA3A rich regions. Our study establishes SEMA3A as an inhibitor of effector CD8+ T cell tumour infiltration, suggesting that blocking NRP1 could improve T cell function in tumours.

A direct contact pig influenza challenge model for assessing protective efficacy of monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be used to complement immunization for the therapy of influenza virus infection. We have established the pig, a natural large animal host for influenza A, with many physiological, immunological, and anatomical similarities to humans, as an appropriate model for testing mAbs. We have evaluated the protective efficacy of the strongly neutralizing human anti-hemagglutinin mAb, 2-12C in the pig influenza model. Intravenous administration of recombinant 2-12C reduced virus load and lung pathology, however, it did not prevent virus nasal shedding and, consequently, transmission. This may be because the pigs were directly infected intranasally with a high dose of the H1N1pdm09 virus. To address this, we developed a contact challenge model in which the animals were given 2-12C and one day later co-housed with donor pigs previously infected intra-nasally with H1N1pdm09. 2-12C pre-treatment completely prevented infection. We also administered a lower dose of 2-12C by aerosol to the respiratory tract, but this did not prevent shedding in the direct challenge model, although it abolished lung infection. We propose that the direct contact challenge model of pig influenza may be useful for evaluating candidate mAbs and emerging delivery platforms prior to clinical trials.

A review of broadly protective monoclonal antibodies to treat Ebola virus disease.

The filovirus vaccine and the therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) research have made substantial progress. However, existing vaccines and mAbs approved for use in humans are specific to Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV). Since other Ebolavirus species are a continuing threat to public health, the search for broadly protective mAbs has drawn attention. Here, we review viral glycoprotein-targeting mAbs that have proved their broader protective efficacy in animal models. MBP134AF, the most advanced of these new-generation mAb therapies, has recently been deployed in Uganda during the Sudan ebolavirus outbreak. Furthermore, we discuss the measures associated with enhancing antibody therapies and the risks associated with them, including the rise of escape mutations following the mAb treatment and naturally occurring EBOV variants.

Post COVID-19 condition after delta infection and omicron reinfection in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The burden of COVID-19 in children and adolescents has increased during the delta and omicron waves, necessitating studies of long-term symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnoea and cognitive problems. Furthermore, immune responses in relation to persisting symptoms in younger people have not been well characterised. In this cohort study, we investigated the role of antibodies, vaccination and omicron reinfection upon persisting and long-term symptoms up to 8 months post-delta infection. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive participants (n = 276, aged 10-20 years) were prospectively recruited in August 2021. We recorded the major symptoms of post COVID-19 condition and collected serum samples 3- and 8-months post delta infection. Binding antibodies were measured by spike IgG ELISA, and surrogate neutralising antibodies against Wuhan and delta variants by the hemagglutination test (HAT). FINDINGS: After delta infection, persisting symptoms at 3 months were significantly associated with higher delta antibody titres (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.57-6.04, p = 0.001). Asymptomatic acute infection compared to symptomatic infection lowered the risk of persisting (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.55, p = 0.013) and long-term (OR 0.28 95% CI 0.11-0.66, p = 0.005) symptoms at 3 and 8 months, respectively. Adolescents (16-20 years) were more likely to have long-term symptoms compared to children (10-15 years) (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.37-4.41, p = 0.003). INTERPRETATION: This clinical and serological study compares long-term symptoms after delta infection between children and adolescents. The association between high antibody titres and persisting symptoms suggest the involvement of an immune mechanism. Similarly to adults, the dominant long-term symptoms in children are fatigue, dyspnoea and cognitive problems. FUNDING: This work was funded by the Ministry of Health and Care Services, Norway, the University of Bergen, Norway and Helse Vest, Norway (F-12621).

Structural basis for a conserved neutralization epitope on the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2.

Antibody-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. We isolated a panel of neutralizing anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies elicited upon natural infection and vaccination and showed that they recognize an immunogenic patch on the internal surface of the core RBD, which faces inwards and is hidden in the "down" state. These antibodies broadly neutralize wild type (Wuhan-Hu-1) SARS-CoV-2, Beta and Delta variants and some are effective against other sarbecoviruses. We observed a continuum of partially overlapping antibody epitopes from lower to upper part of the inner face of the RBD and some antibodies extend towards the receptor-binding motif. The majority of antibodies are substantially compromised by three mutational hotspots (S371L/F, S373P and S375F) in the lower part of the Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/5 RBD. By contrast, antibody IY-2A induces a partial unfolding of this variable region and interacts with a conserved conformational epitope to tolerate all antigenic variations and neutralize diverse sarbecoviruses as well. This finding establishes that antibody recognition is not limited to the normal surface structures on the RBD. In conclusion, the delineation of functionally and structurally conserved RBD epitopes highlights potential vaccine and therapeutic candidates for COVID-19.

Recombinant single-cycle influenza virus with exchangeable pseudotypes allows repeated immunization to augment anti-tumour immunity with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Virus-based tumour vaccines offer many advantages compared to other antigen-delivering systems. They generate concerted innate and adaptive immune response, and robust CD8+ T cell responses. We engineered a non-replicating pseudotyped influenza virus (S-FLU) to deliver the well-known cancer testis antigen, NY-ESO-1 (NY-ESO-1 S-FLU). Intranasal or intramuscular immunization of NY-ESO-1 S-FLU virus in mice elicited a strong NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T cell response in lungs and spleen that resulted in the regression of NY-ESO-1-expressing lung tumour and subcutaneous tumour, respectively. Combined administration with anti-PD-1 antibody, NY-ESO-1 S-FLU virus augmented the tumour protection by reducing the tumour metastasis. We propose that the antigen delivery through S-FLU is highly efficient in inducing antigen-specific CD8+ T cell response and protection against tumour development in combination with PD-1 blockade.

Antigenic Characterization of Human Monoclonal Antibodies for Therapeutic Use against H7N9 Avian Influenza Virus.

Since 2013, H7N9 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have caused more than 1,500 human infections and the culling of millions of poultry. Despite large-scale poultry vaccination, H7N9 AIVs continue to circulate among poultry in China and pose a threat to human health. Previously, we isolated and generated four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) derived from humans naturally infected with H7N9 AIV. Here, we investigated the hemagglutinin (HA) epitopes of H7N9 AIV targeted by these mAbs (L3A-44, K9B-122, L4A-14, and L4B-18) using immune escape studies. Our results revealed four key antigenic epitopes at HA amino acid positions 125, 133, 149, and 217. The mutant H7N9 viruses representing escape mutations containing an alanine-to-threonine substitution at residue 125 (A125T), a glycine-to-glutamic acid substitution at residue 133 (G133E), an asparagine-to-aspartic acid substitution at residue 149 (N149D), or a leucine-to-glutamine substitution at residue 217 (L217Q) showed reduced or completely abolished cross-reactivity with the mAbs, as measured by a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. We further assessed the potential risk of these mutants to humans should they emerge following mAb treatment by measuring the impact of these HA mutations on virus fitness and evasion of host adaptive immunity. Here, we showed that the L4A-14 mAb had broad neutralizing capabilities, and its escape mutant N149D had reduced viral stability and human receptor binding and could be neutralized by both postinfection and antigen-induced sera. Therefore, the L4A-14 mAb could be a therapeutic candidate for H7N9 AIV infection in humans and warrants further investigation for therapeutic applications. IMPORTANCE Avian influenza virus (AIV) H7N9 continues to circulate and evolve in birds, posing a credible threat to humans. Antiviral drugs have proven useful for the treatment of severe influenza infections in humans; however, concerns have been raised as antiviral-resistant mutants have emerged. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been studied for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications in infectious disease control and have demonstrated great potential. For example, mAb treatment has significantly reduced the risk of people developing severe disease with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In addition to the protection efficiency, we should also consider the potential risk of the escape mutants generated by mAb treatment to public health by assessing their viral fitness and potential to compromise host adaptive immunity. Considering these parameters, we assessed four human mAbs derived from humans naturally infected with H7N9 AIV and showed that the mAb L4A-14 displayed potential as a therapeutic candidate.

Comparison of the immunogenicity of five COVID-19 vaccines in Sri Lanka.

To determine the antibody responses elicited by different vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, we compared antibody responses in individuals 3 months post-vaccination in those who had received different vaccines in Sri Lanka. Abs to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral (wild type) virus (WT) as well as to variants of concern (VoCs), and ACE2 blocking Abs, were assessed in individuals vaccinated with Moderna (n = 225), Sputnik V (n = 128) or Sputnik light (n = 184) and the results were compared with previously reported data on Sinopharm and AZD1222 vaccinees. A total of 99.5% of Moderna, >94% of AZD1222 or Sputnik V and >70% of Sputnik light, >60% of Sinopharm vaccine recipients, had a positive response to ACE2 blocking antibodies. The ACE2 blocking antibody levels were highest to lowest was Moderna > Sputnik V/AZD1222 (had equal levels) > Sputnik light > Sinopharm. All Moderna recipients had antibodies to the RBD of WT, alpha and beta, while positivity rates for delta variant was 80%. The positivity rates for Sputnik V vaccinees for the WT and VoCs were higher than for AZD1222 vaccinees while those who received Sinopharm had the lowest positivity rates (<16.7%). The total antibodies to the RBD were highest for the Sputnik V and AZD1222 vaccinees. The Moderna vaccine elicited the highest ACE2 blocking antibody levels followed by Sputnik V/AZD1222, while those who received Sinopharm had the lowest levels. These findings highlight the need for further studies to understand the effects on clinical outcomes.

Immune responses to Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV in individuals in Sri Lanka.

As there are limited data of the immunogenicity of the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV in different populations, antibody responses against different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and T cell responses, we investigated the immunogenicity of the vaccine, in individuals in Sri Lanka. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were measured in 282 individuals who were seronegative at baseline, and ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies, antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the wild-type (WT), alpha, beta and delta variants, ex vivo and cultured IFNγ ELISpot assays, intracellular cytokine secretion assays and B cell ELISpot assays were carried out in a sub cohort of the vaccinees at 4 and 6 weeks (2 weeks after the second dose). Ninety-five percent of the vaccinees seroconverted, although the seroconversion rates were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in individuals >60 years (93.3%) compared to those who were 20-39 years (98.9%); 81.25% had ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies at 6 weeks, and there was no difference in these antibody titres in vaccine sera compared to convalescent sera (p = 0.44). Vaccinees had significantly less (p < 0.0001) antibodies to the RBD of WT and alpha, although there was no difference in antibodies to the RBD of beta and delta compared to convalescent sera; 27.7% of 46.4% of vaccinees had ex vivo IFNγ and cultured ELISpot responses respectively, and IFNγ and CD107a responses were detected by flow cytometry. Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV appeared to induce a similar level of antibody responses against ACE2 receptor, delta and beta as seen following natural infection.

Fc-Mediated Functions of Porcine IgG Subclasses.

The pig is an important agricultural species and powerful biomedical model. We have established the pig, a large natural host animal for influenza with many physiological similarities to humans, as a robust model for testing the therapeutic potential of monoclonal antibodies. Antibodies provide protection through neutralization and recruitment of innate effector functions through the Fc domain. However very little is known about the Fc-mediated functions of porcine IgG subclasses. We have generated 8 subclasses of two porcine monoclonal anti influenza hemagglutinin antibodies. We characterized their ability to activate complement, trigger cytotoxicity and phagocytosis by immune cells and assayed their binding to monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells. We show that IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG2c and IgG4 bind well to targeted cell types and mediate complement mediated cellular cytotoxicity (CDCC), antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody mediated cell phagocytosis (ADCP). IgG5b and IgG5c exhibited weak binding and variable and poor functional activity. Immune complexes of porcine IgG3 did not show any Fc-mediated functions except for binding to monocytes and macrophages and weak binding to NK cells. Interestingly, functionally similar porcine IgG subclasses clustered together in the genome. These novel findings will enhance the utility of the pig model for investigation of therapeutic antibodies.

A rapid antibody screening haemagglutination test for predicting immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Background: Evaluation of susceptibility to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) requires rapid screening tests for neutralising antibodies which provide protection. Methods: Firstly, we developed a receptor-binding domain-specific haemagglutination test (HAT) to Wuhan and VOC (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) and compared to pseudotype, microneutralisation and virus neutralisation assays in 835 convalescent sera. Secondly, we investigated the antibody response using the HAT after two doses of mRNA (BNT162b2) vaccination. Sera were collected at baseline, three weeks after the first and second vaccinations from older (80-99 years, n = 89) and younger adults (23-77 years, n = 310) and compared to convalescent sera from naturally infected individuals (1-89 years, n = 307). Results: Here we show that HAT antibodies highly correlated with neutralising antibodies (R = 0.72-0.88) in convalescent sera. Home-dwelling older individuals have significantly lower antibodies to the Wuhan strain after one and two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine than younger adult vaccinees and naturally infected individuals. Moverover, a second vaccine dose boosts and broadens the antibody repertoire to VOC in naïve, not previously infected older and younger adults. Most (72-76%) older adults respond after two vaccinations to alpha and delta, but only 58-62% to beta and gamma, compared to 96-97% of younger vaccinees and 68-76% of infected individuals. Previously infected older individuals have, similarly to younger adults, high antibody titres after one vaccination. Conclusions: Overall, HAT provides a surrogate marker for neutralising antibodies, which can be used as a simple inexpensive, rapid test. HAT can be rapidly adaptable to emerging VOC for large-scale evaluation of potentially decreasing vaccine effectiveness.

Persistence of immune responses to the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV vaccine.

BACKGROUND: To determine the kinetics and persistence of immune responses following the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV, we investigated immune responses in a cohort of Sri Lankan individuals. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies were measured in 20-39 years (n = 61), 40-59 years (n = 120) and those >60 years of age (n = 22) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, 12 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor blocking antibodies (ACE2R-Ab), antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral virus (WT) and variants of concern, were measured in a sub cohort. T cell responses and memory B cell responses were assessed by ELISpot assays. RESULTS: A total of 193/203 (95.07%) of individuals had detectable SARS-CoV-2 specific total antibodies, while 67/110 (60.9%) had ACE2R-Ab. A total of 14.3%-16.7% individuals in the 20-39 age groups had detectable antibodies to the RBD of the WT and variants of concern, while the positivity rates of those ≥60 years of age was <10%. A total of 14/49 (28.6%) had Interferon gamma ELISpot responses to overlapping peptides of the spike protein, while memory B cell responses were detected in 9/20 to the S1 recombinant protein. The total antibody levels and ACE2R-Ab declined from 2 to 12 weeks from the second dose, while ex vivo T cell responses remained unchanged. The decline in ACE2R-Ab levels was significant among the 40-59 (p = .0007) and ≥60 (p = .005) age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Antibody responses declined in all age groups, especially in those ≥60 years, while T cell responses persisted. The effect of waning of immunity on hospitalization and severe disease should be assessed by long term efficacy studies.

Kinetics of immune responses to the AZD1222/Covishield vaccine with varying dose intervals in Sri Lankan individuals.

BACKGROUND: To understand the kinetics of immune responses with different dosing gaps of the AZD1222 vaccine, we compared antibody and T cell responses in two cohorts with two different dosing gaps. METHODS: Antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus were assessed in 297 individuals with a dosing gap of 12 weeks, sampled 12 weeks post second dose (cohort 1) and in 77 individuals with a median dosing gap of 21.4 weeks (cohort 2) sampled 6 weeks post second dose. ACE2-blocking antibodies (ACE2-blocking Abs), antibodies to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of  variants of concern (VOC), and ex vivo T cell responses were assessed in a subcohort. RESULTS: All individuals (100%) had SARS-CoV-2-specific total antibodies and 94.2% of cohort 1 and 97.1% of cohort 2 had ACE2-blocking Abs. There was no difference in antibody titers or positivity rates in different age groups in both cohorts. The ACE2-blocking Abs (p < .0001) and antibodies to the RBD of the VOCs were significantly higher in cohort 2 compared to cohort 1. 41.2% to 65.8% of different age groups gave a positive response by the hemagglutination assay to the RBD of the ancestral virus and VOCs in cohort 1, while 53.6%-90% gave a positive response in cohort 2. 17/57 (29.8%) of cohort 1 and 17/29 (58.6%) of cohort 2 had ex vivo interferon (IFN)γ ELISpot responses above the positive threshold. The ACE2-blocking antibodies (Spearman's r = .46, p = .008) and ex vivo IFNγ responses (Spearman's r = .71, p < .0001) at 12 weeks post first dose, significantly correlated with levels 12 weeks post second dose. CONCLUSIONS: Both dosing schedules resulted in high antibody and T cell responses post vaccination, although those with a longer dosing gap had a higher magnitude of responses, possibly as immune responses were measured 6 weeks post second dose compared to 12 weeks post second dose.

Secondary influenza challenge triggers resident memory B cell migration and rapid relocation to boost antibody secretion at infected sites.

Resident memory B (BRM) cells develop and persist in the lungs of influenza-infected mice and humans; however, their contribution to recall responses has not been defined. Here, we used two-photon microscopy to visualize BRM cells within the lungs of influenza -virus immune and reinfected mice. Prior to re-exposure, BRM cells were sparsely scattered throughout the tissue, displaying limited motility. Within 24 h of rechallenge, these cells increased their migratory capacity, localized to infected sites, and subsequently differentiated into plasma cells. Alveolar macrophages mediated this process, in part by inducing expression of chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 from infiltrating inflammatory cells. This led to the recruitment of chemokine receptor CXCR3-expressing BRM cells to infected regions and increased local antibody concentrations. Our study uncovers spatiotemporal mechanisms that regulate lung BRM cell reactivation and demonstrates their capacity to rapidly deliver antibodies in a highly localized manner to sites of viral replication.

Spatial, temporal and molecular dynamics of swine influenza virus-specific CD8 tissue resident memory T cells.

For the first time we have defined naïve, central memory, effector memory and differentiated effector porcine CD8 T cells and analyzed their distribution in lymphoid and respiratory tissues after influenza infection or immunization, using peptide-MHC tetramers of three influenza nucleoprotein (NP) epitopes. The hierarchy of response to the three epitopes changes during the response in different tissues. Most NP-specific CD8 T cells in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) and lung are tissue resident memory cells (TRM) that express CD69 and downregulate CD45RA and CCR7. NP-specific cells isolated from BAL express genes characteristic of TRM, but gene expression differs at 7, 21 and 63 days post infection. In all tissues the frequency of NP-specific CD8 cells declines over 63 days almost to background levels but is best maintained in BAL. The kinetic of influenza specific memory CD8 T cell in this natural host species differs from that in small animal models.

Immune responses following the first dose of the Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac).

As the first dose of Gam-COVID-Vac, is currently used as a single dose vaccine in some countries, we investigated the immunogenicity of this at 4 weeks (327 naïve individuals). 88.7% seroconverted, with significantly lower seroconversion rates in those over 60 years (p = 0.004) and significantly lower than previously seen with AZD1222 (p = 0.018). 82.6% developed ACE2 receptor blocking antibodies, although levels were significantly lower than following natural infection (p = 0.0009) and a single dose of AZD1222 (p < 0.0001). Similar titres of antibodies were observed to the receptor binding domain of WT, B.1.1.7 and B.1.617.2 compared to AZD1222, while the levels for B.1.351 were significantly higher (p = 0.006) for Gam-COVID-Vac. 30% developed ex vivo IFNγ ELISpot responses (significantly lower than AZD1222), and high frequency of CD107a expressing T cells along with memory B cell responses. Although single dose of Gam-COVID-Vac was highly immunogenic, administration of a second dose is likely to be beneficial.