Monitoring vaccines is essential as new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge. Stay updated with THE FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE.
The Francis Crick Institute and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at UCLH have conducted a study emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine efficacy as the virus evolves. Published in The Lancet, the research compared the effectiveness of newer monovalent COVID vaccines targeting the XBB variant of Omicron with older bivalent vaccines containing a mix of Omicron and the original COVID-19 strain.
The study involved 71 participants from the Legacy study, collecting blood and nasal mucosal samples before and after a fifth dose vaccination. Results showed that both vaccine types generated neutralizing antibodies against the latest Omicron strain, BA.2.86. However, the monovalent vaccine produced higher antibody levels against various Omicron variants compared to the bivalent vaccine.
Participants who received the monovalent vaccine exhibited a 3.5 times increase in antibodies against the XBB and BQ.1.1 strains post-vaccination. Notably, the monovalent vaccine enhanced mucosal antibody production in the nasal cavity against multiple variants, while the bivalent vaccine did not show a significant boost in this regard. This finding is crucial as the Omicron variant is highly transmissible and primarily replicates in the nose and throat.
Although both vaccines boosted antibody levels against all tested variants, including BA.2.86, they did not increase neutralizing antibodies in the nasal cavity against this newest variant. This suggests that current vaccines may be less effective in preventing transmission or mild illness, although they still protect against severe disease. The researchers stressed the need for ongoing vaccine updates and the development of antibody drugs effective against all variants, particularly for individuals who do not respond well to vaccines.
Emma Wall, a Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the Crick and Consultant in Infectious Diseases at UCLH, highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring due to the virus's evolving nature. She mentioned the necessity of vaccines that can combat all new variants and prevent person-to-person transmission. David LV Bauer, Group Leader of the RNA Virus Replication Laboratory at the Crick, emphasized the role of surveillance in understanding viral evolution quickly to stay ahead.
The study's findings underscore the importance of adapting vaccination strategies to address emerging variants effectively. The research contributes to the global effort to combat COVID-19 by providing insights into vaccine performance against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants and the necessity for continued vigilance and innovation in vaccine development.
The Francis Crick Institute is a renowned biomedical research institute dedicated to unraveling the fundamental biology of health and disease. By understanding disease mechanisms, the institute aims to translate discoveries into novel approaches for preventing, diagnosing, and treating various illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.
UCLH, or University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, offers exceptional acute and specialist healthcare services across five hospitals in Central London. Committed to education and research, UCLH collaborates with UCL to translate research into patient treatments, contributing to the development of innovative healthcare solutions.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is the UK's largest funder of health and care research, supporting high-quality research that benefits the NHS, public health, and social care. By engaging patients and the public, training researchers, and investing in infrastructure, the NIHR aims to improve healthcare outcomes and translate research into practical treatments and services.
In conclusion, the study highlights the critical need for vigilant monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine efficacy to adapt vaccination strategies effectively as the virus continues to evolve. The collaboration between research institutions, such as the Francis Crick Institute and UCLH, plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of COVID-19 and developing innovative solutions to combat the disease.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1037202
The study involved 71 participants from the Legacy study, collecting blood and nasal mucosal samples before and after a fifth dose vaccination. Results showed that both vaccine types generated neutralizing antibodies against the latest Omicron strain, BA.2.86. However, the monovalent vaccine produced higher antibody levels against various Omicron variants compared to the bivalent vaccine.
Participants who received the monovalent vaccine exhibited a 3.5 times increase in antibodies against the XBB and BQ.1.1 strains post-vaccination. Notably, the monovalent vaccine enhanced mucosal antibody production in the nasal cavity against multiple variants, while the bivalent vaccine did not show a significant boost in this regard. This finding is crucial as the Omicron variant is highly transmissible and primarily replicates in the nose and throat.
Although both vaccines boosted antibody levels against all tested variants, including BA.2.86, they did not increase neutralizing antibodies in the nasal cavity against this newest variant. This suggests that current vaccines may be less effective in preventing transmission or mild illness, although they still protect against severe disease. The researchers stressed the need for ongoing vaccine updates and the development of antibody drugs effective against all variants, particularly for individuals who do not respond well to vaccines.
Emma Wall, a Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the Crick and Consultant in Infectious Diseases at UCLH, highlighted the importance of continuous monitoring due to the virus's evolving nature. She mentioned the necessity of vaccines that can combat all new variants and prevent person-to-person transmission. David LV Bauer, Group Leader of the RNA Virus Replication Laboratory at the Crick, emphasized the role of surveillance in understanding viral evolution quickly to stay ahead.
The study's findings underscore the importance of adapting vaccination strategies to address emerging variants effectively. The research contributes to the global effort to combat COVID-19 by providing insights into vaccine performance against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants and the necessity for continued vigilance and innovation in vaccine development.
The Francis Crick Institute is a renowned biomedical research institute dedicated to unraveling the fundamental biology of health and disease. By understanding disease mechanisms, the institute aims to translate discoveries into novel approaches for preventing, diagnosing, and treating various illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.
UCLH, or University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, offers exceptional acute and specialist healthcare services across five hospitals in Central London. Committed to education and research, UCLH collaborates with UCL to translate research into patient treatments, contributing to the development of innovative healthcare solutions.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is the UK's largest funder of health and care research, supporting high-quality research that benefits the NHS, public health, and social care. By engaging patients and the public, training researchers, and investing in infrastructure, the NIHR aims to improve healthcare outcomes and translate research into practical treatments and services.
In conclusion, the study highlights the critical need for vigilant monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine efficacy to adapt vaccination strategies effectively as the virus continues to evolve. The collaboration between research institutions, such as the Francis Crick Institute and UCLH, plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of COVID-19 and developing innovative solutions to combat the disease.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1037202
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