Functional antibody responses targeting the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB.1.5 in elderly nursing home residents following Wuhan-Hu-1-based mRNA booster vaccination

Abstract

The immune effector mechanisms involved in protecting against severe COVID-19 infection in elderly nursing home residents following vaccination or natural infection are not well understood. Here, we measured SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S)-directed functional antibody responses, including neutralizing antibodies (NtAb) and antibody Fc-mediated NK cell activity (degranulation and IFNγ production), against the Wuhan-Hu-1, BA.4/5 (for NtAb), and Omicron XBB.1.5 variants in elderly nursing home residents (n = 39; median age, 91 years) before and following a third (pre- and post-3D) and a fourth (pre- and post-4D) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose. Both 3D and 4D boosted NtAb levels against both (sub)variants. Likewise, 3D and 4D increased the ability of sera to trigger both LAMP1- and IFNγ-producing NK cells, in particular against XBB.1.5. In contrast to NtAb titres, the frequencies of LAMP1- and IFNγ-producing NK cells activated by antibodies binding to Wuhan-Hu-1 and Omicron XBB.1.5 S were comparable at all testing times. Stronger functional antibody responses were observed in vaccine-experienced participants compared to vaccine-naïve at some testing times. These findings can contribute to identifying a reliable correlate of protection in elderly nursing home residents against severe COVID-19 and inform future vaccine strategies in this population group.