Heterologous COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster with mRNA Vaccine Provide Enhanced Immune Response in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the antibody and cellular responses to different coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination regimens in patients with cirrhosis and to assess the antibody response after a vaccine booster. We conducted a prospective observational study of 89 patients with cirrhosis and 41 healthy volunteers who received two COVID-19 vaccine doses. Next, we prospectively evaluated 24 patients with cirrhosis who received a booster COVID-19 vaccine dose. In both studies, blood samples were collected before and 4 weeks after vaccination, and anti-spike receptor-binding domain protein IgG levels, T-cell phenotypes, and effector functions were assessed. The heterologous vaccine regimen (CoronaVac [SV]/AstraZeneca [AZ]) produced a better antibody response and CD4+IFNg+ T cell response compared to homogeneous vaccine regimens. The antibody response after the second dose of the vaccine was similar in patients with cirrhosis and healthy volunteers. Patients who received a booster dose of the mRNA vaccine had significantly increased antibody titers compared to those who received the AZ vaccine. In patients with cirrhosis, heterologous vaccination with SV/AZ resulted in a better immune response than the AZ/AZ and SV/SV regimens. Moreover, a booster dose of the mRNA vaccine led to a greater increase in antibody titers compared to the AZ vaccine.

Immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with cirrhosis: A meta-analysis

“… 40 Another study observed higher immunogenicity of both humoral and cellular responses to the heterologous COVID-19 vaccine regimen compared to homogeneous regimens in patients with cirrhosis. 41 Therefore, we speculate that further booster doses of COVID-19 vaccination with heterologous regimens could possibly enhance the immune response of patients with cirrhosis.…”