Comparative Assessment of the Kinetics of Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses to COVID-19 Vaccination in Cancer Patients.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The kinetics of immune responses to various SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in cancer patients were investigated.

METHODS:

In total, 57 cancer patients who received BNT162b2-RNA or BBIBP-CorV vaccines were enrolled. Cellular and humoral immunity were assessed at three-time points, before the first vaccine dose and 14-21 days after the first and second doses. Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was used to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG response, and QuantiFERON® SARS-CoV-2 kit assessed T-cell response.

RESULTS:

Data showed that cancer patients' CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-median IFN-γ secretion of SARS-CoV-2 antigens increased after the first and second vaccine doses (p = 0.027 and p = 0.042). BNT162b2 vaccinees had significantly higher IFN-γ levels to CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes than BBIBP-CorV vaccinees (p = 0.028). There was a positive correlation between IgG antibody titer and T cell response regardless of vaccine type (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study is one of the first to investigate cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 immunization in cancer patients on active therapy after each vaccine dose. COVID-19 immunizations helped cancer patients develop an effective immune response. Understanding the cellular and humoral immune response to COVID-19 in cancer patients undergoing active treatment is necessary to improve vaccines and avoid future SARS pandemics.

• Authors: Lina Souan, Hikmat Abdel-Razeq, Muna Al Zughbieh, Sara Al Badr, Maher A Sughayer
• Journal: Viruses (Viruses) Vol. 15 Issue 7 (06 26 2023) ISSN: 1999-4915 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 37515127 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• BIBP COVID-19 vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• BNT162 Vaccine
• Antibodies, Viral
• Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
• Immunoglobulin G

Topics

• Humans
• Immunity, Humoral
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• BNT162 Vaccine
• Kinetics
• COVID-19 (prevention & control)
• SARS-CoV-2
• Vaccination
• Antibodies, Viral
• Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
• Immunoglobulin G
• Neoplasms