Related references
Note: Only part of the references are listed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chaitanya Kurhade et al.
Summary: This study reported on the neutralizing activities of a BA.5 bivalent booster against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages. The results showed that the BA.5 bivalent booster had good neutralizing efficacy against BA.4/5 but weaker efficacy against BA.2.75.2, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1. Previous infection significantly enhanced the strength and breadth of neutralization induced by the BA.5 bivalent booster. These data support a vaccine update strategy that matches newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Jing Zou et al.
Summary: Participants who received three doses of BNT162b2 vaccine were given either a fourth dose or a bivalent vaccine containing BA.4-BA.5 mRNA; the latter group showed higher neutralization against omicron variants.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Hiam Chemaitelly et al.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Jessica Miller et al.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
S. Reshwan K. Malahe et al.
Summary: The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes less severe illness in immunocompromised patients compared to previous variants. However, hospitalization rates are still high and symptoms tend to persist for a longer duration. Additional interventions are needed to reduce the disease burden in these vulnerable individuals.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Aaron Richterman et al.
Summary: This study found that the effectiveness of two doses of the BNT162b2 and mRNA1273 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection was lower during the Omicron period compared to the Delta period. However, booster doses provided significant protection. Specifically, three doses of BNT162b2 had a relative effectiveness of 50% during Omicron, compared to 78% during Delta, while three doses of mRNA1273 had a relative effectiveness of 56% during Omicron, compared to 96% during Delta. The study also showed that the effectiveness of BNT162b2 booster protection against infection remained stable for at least 16 weeks after vaccination.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nancy H. L. Leung et al.
Summary: In this study, it was found that a third dose of mRNA vaccine significantly improved antibody levels against the ancestral virus and the Omicron variant in Chinese adults aged >= 30 years who had previously received 2 doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. The third dose also had a well-tolerated safety profile.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ruth Link-Gelles et al.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kristie E. N. Clarke et al.
Summary: The seroprevalence of infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibodies more than doubled among children younger than 12 years between September 2021 and February 2022, and increased by 85% in adolescents. The differences in seroprevalence estimates by care type did not significantly impact US pediatric seroprevalence estimates.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Benjamin J. Cowling et al.
Summary: We administered a third dose of BNT162b2 to 314 adults aged >= 30 years who had previously received 2 doses of inactivated vaccine. Blood samples were collected before the third dose, after 1 month, and after 6 months. The study found robust antibody responses to the ancestral strain at 6 months after receiving BNT162b2, but weaker and declining antibody responses to Omicron BA.2 after the third dose.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qian Wang et al.
Summary: The BQ and XBB subvariants of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, with additional spike mutations, are rapidly expanding and have altered antibody evasion properties. Neutralization of BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB, and XBB.1 by vaccinated individuals and infected persons' sera was significantly impaired, including those boosted with a WA1/BA.5 bivalent mRNA vaccine. The titers against BQ and XBB subvariants were much lower than observed before, indicating that these subvariants pose a serious threat to current COVID-19 vaccines and render all authorized antibodies inactive.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Y. Tartof et al.
Summary: In a 1:1 matched test-negative design study conducted in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California health system, it was found that the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine against omicron-related emergency department or urgent care encounters was 60% within 3 months post-dose-two and 28% after 3 months. However, the effectiveness improved to 77% with the use of a booster dose.
JOURNAL OF THE PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Audrey Lustig et al.
Summary: New Zealand experienced a wave of the Omicron variant in early 2022 despite high vaccination rates and minimal prior infection. Subsequently, new Omicron subvariants emerged with a significant growth advantage. A mathematical model was used to evaluate the impact of waning immunity, the BA.5 subvariant, and provide scenarios for policy response and healthcare preparedness. The model accurately projected case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths during the BA.5 wave.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alison Tarke et al.
Summary: T cell responses induced by different vaccine platforms cross-recognize early SARS-CoV-2 variants, while memory B cells and neutralizing antibodies show significant decreases. The majority of memory T cell responses are preserved against variants, with lower recognition of Omicron by memory B cells.
Article
Microbiology
Hongjie Xia et al.
Summary: Two doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine demonstrate high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and also provide neutralization against Omicron SARS-CoV-2. The study shows that the neutralization response improves with the third dose, but decreases slightly after four months.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lamprini Veneti et al.
Summary: A study found that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has a 73% reduced risk of hospitalization compared to the Delta variant. Omicron cases who had received two doses of the vaccine 7-179 days before diagnosis had a lower risk compared to Delta (66% vs 93%), while those who received three doses had a similar risk reduction (86% vs 88%).
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Caroline Maslo et al.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Virology
Mahmoud Kandeel et al.
Summary: The study investigates the evolutionary relationships and similarities between the Omicron variant and other SARS-CoV-2 variants, finding that the Omicron variant forms a new monophyletic clade distant from other variants.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sue Ann Costa Clemens et al.
Summary: A study was conducted to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a third dose of heterologous or homologous vaccines in Brazilian adults who had previously received two doses of CoronaVac. The results showed that a third dose of heterologous vaccines (recombinant adenoviral vectored vaccine or mRNA vaccine) significantly increased immune responses and could improve protection against infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bo Meng et al.
Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has a higher affinity for ACE2 and can evade neutralizing antibodies more effectively compared to the Delta variant. A third dose of mRNA vaccine can provide enhanced protection. Omicron has lower replication in lung and gut cells and less efficiently cleaves its spike protein compared to Delta.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Raquel Viana et al.
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in southern Africa has experienced three distinct waves, driven by different variants. The recently identified Omicron variant has rapidly spread in South Africa and to numerous countries, raising global concern.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinyan Liu et al.
Summary: This study demonstrates that cellular immunity induced by current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is highly conserved to the Omicron spike protein. Individuals vaccinated with Ad26.COV2.S or BNT162b2 vaccines showed durable spike-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cell responses that were cross-reactive to both the Delta and Omicron variants, including in central and effector memory cellular subpopulations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucy G. Thorne et al.
Summary: The Alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 effectively suppresses innate immune responses in airway epithelial cells compared to first-wave isolates, possibly due to increased expression of specific viral antagonist proteins. This enhanced innate immune suppression may increase the likelihood of successful transmission of the Alpha variant and potentially impact in vivo replication and infection duration. Mutations outside the spike coding region, such as those observed in the N and Orf9b regulatory regions, play a crucial role in the adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 variants to humans.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lihong Liu et al.
Summary: The B.1.1.529/Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, initially detected in southern Africa, has rapidly spread globally and is expected to become dominant due to its enhanced transmissibility in the coming weeks. This variant poses a threat to the efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapies due to its significant antibody resistance. Even individuals who have received vaccines and booster doses may have reduced neutralizing activity against B.1.1.529.
Review
Immunology
Paul Moss
Summary: T cell immunity plays a central role in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection, with early responses correlating with protection. T cell memory provides broad recognition of viral proteins, limiting the impact of viral variants and offering protection against severe disease. Current COVID-19 vaccines elicit robust T cell responses, contributing to the prevention of hospitalization or death. Therefore, the importance of T cell immunity may have been underestimated.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samuel M. S. Cheng et al.
Summary: Specific antibody levels against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant decrease significantly after two doses of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccines, but can be markedly increased with a booster dose of BNT162b2. Individuals who previously received two doses of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac showed reduced serum antibody titers against Omicron, while a BNT162b2 booster dose increased the antibody levels in the majority of individuals. This suggests mRNA vaccine boosters may be necessary in countries primarily using CoronaVac vaccines to combat the spread of Omicron.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eddy Perez-Then et al.
Summary: The study found that a BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine booster can enhance neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant in individuals who received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine, but antibody titers remain lower compared to the ancestral virus and the Delta variant.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hung Fu Tseng et al.
Summary: A test-negative case-control analysis using data from a diverse population in California, USA, demonstrates that vaccine efficacy of a three-dose regimen of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine is reduced against infection with the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant in comparison to Delta, but that efficacy against hospitalization remained high for both variants.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
David M. Morens et al.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shabir A. Madhi et al.
Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 spread more rapidly in South Africa, where two thirds of unvaccinated residents were found to have past infections. Omicron peaked just 1 month after being detected, with hospitalizations and deaths not increasing proportionately with the rise in cases. It remains unclear whether this change is due to widespread preexisting immunity or unique features of the virus.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Ital Nemet et al.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Heba N. Altarawneh et al.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexander Muik et al.
Summary: This study tested the neutralizing ability of sera from participants who received two or three doses of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine against different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The results showed that after two doses, the neutralizing ability against Omicron was significantly reduced, but a third dose effectively increased the neutralizing ability. This suggests that three doses of the vaccine may provide protection against Omicron-mediated COVID-19.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tobias Mourier et al.
Summary: Monitoring the spread and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 through genome sequencing is crucial in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the authors sequenced 892 SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected from patients in Saudi Arabia and identified two consecutive mutations in the nucleocapsid protein that were associated with higher viral loads in COVID-19 patients. Through biochemical analysis, they found that the mutant protein displayed enhanced viral RNA binding and differential interaction with key host proteins. The study also revealed dysregulated interferon response genes in host cells expressing the mutant protein. These findings provide important insights into the modulation of host-virus interactions and highlight the potential of the nucleocapsid protein as a target for drug development during infection.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
News Item
Medicine, General & Internal
Gareth Iacobucci
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohamad-Hani Temsah et al.
Summary: The study aimed to assess the uncertainties, worries, resilience, and coping strategies of healthcare workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the Omicron variant. The findings showed a negative correlation between resilient coping and stress, and a positive correlation between intolerance of uncertainty and stress. Increased stress levels were associated with a significant decrease in resilient coping scores. Coping by following healthcare authorities' preventative instructions and using the WHO website as a source of information was linked to a significant increase in resilient coping.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jill M. Ferdinands et al.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matthew E Modes et al.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Corine H. GeurtsvanKessel et al.
Summary: This study demonstrates that vaccinated individuals retain T cell immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, despite low levels of neutralizing antibodies. Booster vaccinations can partially restore cross-neutralization of the Omicron variant.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Emily H. Adhikari et al.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Emine M. Tunc et al.
Summary: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of croup patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and found a strong correlation between the Omicron variant and croup, with a lower correlation observed with the Delta variant.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tommy Nyberg et al.
Summary: The Omicron variant shows lower severity compared to Delta, especially in terms of hospital admission and death, with significant variations by age. Unvaccinated cases experience a larger reduction in intrinsic severity, while vaccinated cases experience reduced vaccine effectiveness. Booster vaccination with mRNA vaccines provides over 70% protection against hospitalization and death in breakthrough Omicron infections.
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Prerna Arora et al.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Freja C. M. Kirsebom et al.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Roanne Keeton et al.
Summary: Despite reduced neutralizing antibody activity, T cell responses induced by vaccination or infection can cross-recognize the Omicron variant and provide protection.
Article
Immunology
Jeffrey A. Tomalka et al.
Summary: Host genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in vaccine-induced immune responses. Understanding and accounting for these factors are crucial for the development of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
News Item
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elie Dolgin
Summary: Numerous 'universal' coronavirus vaccines are currently in development, but the ability of new technology platforms to overcome immunological unknowns remains uncertain.
NATURE REVIEWS DRUG DISCOVERY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yinon M. Bar-On et al.
Summary: After administering the fourth dose of BNT162b2 vaccine to individuals aged 60 years and older during the period when the omicron variant was predominant, Israel observed lower rates of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe Covid-19 compared to those who received only three doses. The protection against severe illness remained consistent, while the protection against confirmed infection decreased over time.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paul Elliott et al.
Summary: The rapid transmission of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has caused a surge in cases worldwide, including in England. The prevalence of infection is increasing, particularly among older age groups, but hospitalizations and deaths remain lower compared to previous waves, likely due to high levels of vaccination.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juliet R. C. Pulliam et al.
Summary: This study provides two methods for monitoring reinfection trends in routine surveillance data. The results suggest immune evasion by the Omicron variant in previously infected individuals in South Africa, and there has been an increase in the risk of having a third infection since mid-November 2021.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel M. Altmann et al.
Summary: A diverse range of first-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been successful in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, although inequitable distribution remains an issue. Future challenges include optimizing immunological boosting strategies and building an immune repertoire that can protect against upcoming viral variants.
Review
Microbiology
Kyle A. Wolf et al.
Summary: This article reviews the process of binding between the spike protein of coronaviruses and their receptor, as well as the role of host proteases in promoting viral-cell membrane fusion. The implications of SARS-CoV-2 mutations on cell entry are discussed, along with a model for activating fusion competency in sarbecoviruses and a framework for understanding the interplay between humoral immunity and the molecular evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike. The relevance of the Canyon Hypothesis in understanding the evolutionary trajectories of viral entry proteins during sustained intraspecies transmission of a novel viral pathogen is emphasized.
Review
Microbiology
Gary McLean et al.
Summary: The emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 has raised concerns about the impact on vaccination programs. Current vaccines are effective against some variants, but effectiveness varies. Booster programs can restore protection against infection and symptomatic disease, but the effectiveness may decrease over time. Antibodies may have reduced neutralizing activity against certain variants, but T-cell responses remain relatively stable.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hiam Chemaitelly et al.
Summary: mRNA COVID-19 vaccines provide moderate and short-lived protection against symptomatic Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 infections, but strong and durable protection against COVID-19 hospitalization and death.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fanglei Zuo et al.
Summary: This study demonstrates that an mRNA vaccine booster in individuals vaccinated with inactivated vaccines can significantly increase the humoral and cellular immune responses against the virus, including the Omicron variant.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Chris Stokel-Walker
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Adam S. Lauring et al.
Summary: mRNA vaccines were highly effective in preventing covid-19 associated hospital admissions related to the alpha, delta, and omicron variants. Three vaccine doses were required for protection against omicron, while two doses provided protection against delta and alpha variants. Omicron variant showed lower disease severity compared to delta variant but still resulted in morbidity and mortality. Vaccinated patients had lower disease severity than unvaccinated patients for all the variants.
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Letter
Pediatrics
Lindsey Wang et al.
Summary: This cohort study evaluates the incidence rates and clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by the Omicron and Delta variants in children younger than 5 years in the United States.
Letter
Pediatrics
Blake Martin et al.
Summary: This study utilizes data from the US National COVID Cohort Collaborative to investigate upper airway infections in children during the surge of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the US.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mark W. Tenforde et al.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Qiaoli Peng et al.
Summary: This study compares the immunogenicity and durability of BNT162b2-mRNA and CoronaVac-inactivated vaccines in fully vaccinated individuals in Hong Kong. The results show that both vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies and spike-specific CD4 T cell responses, but CoronaVac vaccine induces lower immune responses compared to BNT162b2 vaccine. Against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, CoronaVac vaccine shows weaker neutralizing antibody responses compared to BNT162b2 vaccine. Three months after vaccination, neutralizing antibody levels to variants of concern decrease, along with waning memory T cell responses, especially among CoronaVac vaccine recipients.
Article
Immunology
Jasmin Quandt et al.
Summary: The Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection in BNT162b2-vaccinated individuals showed strong neutralizing activity against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and previous SARS-CoV-2 variants. The memory B cells induced by the breakthrough infection targeted epitopes shared broadly among variants. The vaccination-imprinted memory B cell pool was capable of remodeling in response to heterologous SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein exposure. However, variants that acquire alterations at conserved sites may have increased susceptibility to immune escape.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chengzi Kaku et al.
Summary: Analyzing vaccinated individuals infected with Omicron/BA.1, this study reveals that vaccination activates memory B cells, leading to specific antibody responses against breakthrough infections. Moreover, the hierarchy of B cell immunodominance was found to shift towards the variable receptor binding domain, indicating the role of preexisting immunity in shaping the immune response against heterologous SARS-CoV-2 variants.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lorenzo De Marco et al.
Summary: This cohort study in Italy showed that the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was recognized by the cellular component of the immune system in immunized adults, despite mutations in the spike protein. It is reasonable to assume that protection from hospitalization and severe disease will be maintained.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Martina E. McMenamin et al.
Summary: In Hong Kong, two doses of either BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccines are effective in preventing severe disease and death, with higher effectiveness seen in adults aged 60 years or older with BNT162b2. Three doses of either vaccine offer a very high level of protection against severe or fatal outcomes.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qian Wang et al.
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5 have become dominant in the United States and South Africa, raising concerns about their ability to evade neutralizing antibodies and compromise the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutic monoclonals. A systematic antigenic analysis reveals that BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5 have different levels of resistance to antibodies, with BA.2.12.1 being modestly resistant and BA.4/5 being substantially resistant. Certain mutations in the spike protein facilitate antibody escape, but compromise the spike affinity for the viral receptor. Only bebtelovimab retains full potency against both subvariants.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yunlong Cao et al.
Summary: Omicron sublineages BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 have higher transmissibility and increased evasion of neutralizing antibodies compared to the BA.2 lineage. They exhibit similar binding affinities to the ACE2 receptor as BA.2. BA.1 infection after vaccination boosts humoral immune memory against wild-type SARS-CoV-2, but these antibodies are largely evaded by BA.2 and BA.4/BA.5 variants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Houriiyah Tegally et al.
Summary: The genomic characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5, responsible for the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, reveals their continued viral diversification and sheds light on the potential mechanisms that allow these new lineages to outcompete their predecessors. These new lineages, BA.4 and BA.5, share identical spike proteins with BA.2 but have certain differences such as the presence of the 69-70 deletion, L452R, F486V, and the wild-type amino acid at Q493. They can be identified by the S-gene target failure, a proxy marker associated with the 69-70 deletion. BA.4 and BA.5 have rapidly replaced BA.2 and have become the dominant lineages in South Africa.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicole P. Hachmann et al.
Summary: A small study found that omicron subvariants BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5 of SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to evade neutralizing antibodies induced by both vaccination and previous infection compared to the prior omicron subvariants BA.1 and BA.2.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Heba N. Altarawneh et al.
Summary: An analysis of data from Qatar showed that previous infection, vaccination, and hybrid immunity all demonstrated effectiveness in protecting against symptomatic Covid-19 caused by the BA.1 and BA.2 sublineages of the Omicron variant.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alexander Muik et al.
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its sublineages have strong viral escape capabilities from neutralizing antibodies produced by vaccines or prior variant infections. The study shows that Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted vaccines can enhance the neutralizing antibody response and cross-neutralizing activity, with the bivalent version having the potential to protect individuals without preexisting immunity.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kejun Guo et al.
Summary: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with enhanced resistance to interferons suggests that evasion of innate immunity may be a driving force in the evolution of the virus.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John E. Bowen et al.
Summary: The Omicron variant of concern, characterized by numerous spike mutations, exhibits enhanced binding to ACE2, reduced fusogenicity, and reduced neutralizing activity against plasma induced by infection or vaccines. However, booster doses based on the Wuhan-Hu-1 spike sequence significantly increase neutralizing antibody titers and breadth against multiple Omicron sublineages.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexander A. Cohen et al.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lorenza Bellusci et al.
Summary: The authors demonstrate that a third dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination significantly enhances neutralizing antibodies against Omicron subvariants and that hybrid immunity results in broader neutralization activity and cross-reactive antibody affinity maturation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Khadija Khan et al.
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-lineages BA.4 and BA.5, first identified in South Africa, have mutations in the spike receptor binding domain compared to BA.1. Experimental results show that BA.4 and BA.5 have reduced neutralization against BA.1 in unvaccinated individuals, but this effect is less pronounced in vaccinated individuals.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ramandip Grewal et al.
Summary: This study estimated the marginal effectiveness of a fourth dose compared to a third dose of mRNA covid-19 vaccines and the vaccine effectiveness of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines against the omicron variant. The results showed that a fourth dose improved protection against infection, symptomatic infection, and severe outcomes. Vaccine effectiveness increased with each additional dose.
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Letter
Pediatrics
Mette Holm et al.
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals during the Omicron wave, and to compare the risk and clinical characteristics of MIS-C with previous waves.
Article
Immunology
Winnie W. Y. Tso et al.
Summary: This study investigated the severity and clinical outcomes of Omicron BA.2 infection in uninfected, unvaccinated hospitalized children and compared it with influenza and parainfluenza viral infections. The findings showed that Omicron BA.2 was associated with higher risk of neurological complications and targeted the upper airways more than influenza virus.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chaitanya Kurhade et al.
Summary: This study reports the neutralization activity of sera from BNT162b2 vaccinated individuals or unimmunized Omicron BA.1-infected individuals against Omicron sublineages and Deltacron variant (XD). The BA.4/5 SARS-CoV-2 spike variant showed the highest propensity to evade vaccine neutralization compared to the original Omicron variants BA.1.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Brian J. Willett et al.
Summary: Vaccines based on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 are vital in combating COVID-19, but the emergence of the Omicron variant poses a threat to this strategy. Studies have shown that the Omicron variant evades neutralization by sera from individuals vaccinated with different vaccines and reduces real-world vaccine effectiveness, although booster vaccination can partially restore its effectiveness. Additionally, the Omicron variant exhibits distinct cell entry pathways and phenotypes, which may contribute to its rapid global spread and altered pathogenicity.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alexander Wilhelm et al.
Summary: The Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have become dominant globally, leading to reduced efficacy of current vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Booster doses can enhance neutralizing capacity against Omicron variants, but waning immunity may result in weaker neutralization. Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 exhibit resistance to certain monoclonal antibodies, highlighting the importance of genotype-surveillance and tailored treatment approaches.
Article
Immunology
Jinyi Tang et al.
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination induces strong immune responses in the circulation, but its effectiveness in the respiratory tract, especially against variants of concern like Omicron, is still uncertain. This study found lower neutralizing antibody responses in the respiratory tract of vaccinated individuals compared to COVID-19 convalescents, despite robust antibody responses in the blood. Vaccination also induced circulating B and T cell immunity, but these responses were absent in the respiratory tract. Mouse immunization experiments showed that systemic mRNA vaccination alone resulted in weak respiratory mucosal neutralizing antibody responses, but combining it with mucosal adenovirus-S immunization produced strong neutralizing antibody responses against both the ancestral virus and the Omicron variant. Overall, this study suggests that current COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against severe disease, but provide limited protection against breakthrough infections, particularly by the Omicron sublineage.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Matan J. Cohen et al.
Summary: Despite high vaccination rates among health care workers in Israel, a significant number of breakthrough infections were observed during the Omicron wave. A fourth vaccine dose was recommended to mitigate the infection rate. This study found that the fourth dose of the vaccine reduced breakthrough infection rates among hospital staff, although not as much as the third dose.
Article
Nursing
Natalie Lambert et al.
Summary: This study examines the frequency, timing, and duration of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) and their impact on health and function. The findings suggest that PASC is characterized by a wide range of symptoms that can cause moderate-to-severe distress and hinder survivors' overall well-being.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Sara Y. Tartof et al.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Shirley Collie et al.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Frederik Plesner Lyngse et al.
Summary: This study investigates the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.1 and BA.2 within households using nationwide Danish data. The results show that BA.2 is more transmissible than BA.1 and has increased susceptibility of infection for unvaccinated individuals. However, BA.2 does not increase the infectiousness of breakthrough infections from vaccinated individuals.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alexander Muik et al.
Science Immunology
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sarah A. Buchan et al.
Summary: A study conducted in Ontario, Canada, found that the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including among individuals who have received 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, increased significantly following the emergence of the Omicron variant. The study estimated the effectiveness of 2 or 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccine against symptomatic infections and severe outcomes associated with Omicron and Delta variants. The results showed that the estimated effectiveness decreased for symptomatic Delta infection after the second dose, but increased to 97% after the third dose. For symptomatic Omicron infection, the estimated effectiveness was relatively low, but increased to 61% after the third dose. The estimated effectiveness against severe outcomes was high after the third dose for both variants.
Article
Immunology
Yonatan M. Mefsin et al.
Summary: Data analysis from multiple epidemics in Hong Kong demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has a shorter serial interval and generation time compared to earlier strains. The age-specific case-fatality risk for Omicron BA.2.2 case-patients without complete primary vaccination was similar to that of individuals infected with ancestral strains in earlier waves.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sara Y. Tartof et al.
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in a large US health system. The results showed that after receiving only two doses, the protection against infection declined over time but remained high against hospitalization. The three-dose vaccine showed better effectiveness, providing comparable or better protection against SARS-CoV-2 infections and hospital admissions compared to two doses.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Vincent Auvigne et al.
Summary: This study confirms the lower severity of Omicron compared to Delta. However, the difference in disease severity is less marked in the elderly.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Antonio Lentini et al.
Summary: This study tracks the transition of the Omicron variant from BA.1 to BA.2 sublineage in the Swedish population, revealing a rapid shift in early 2022. The findings show that cases infected with Omicron BA.2 have almost twice the level of viral RNA compared to BA.1. These data provide unique insights into the increased transmissibility of the BA.2 variant within the context of the Omicron strain.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Emily H. Adhikari et al.
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chengzi Kaku et al.
Summary: This study analyzed the antibody response after Omicron/BA.1 infection in mRNA-vaccinated donors. The findings highlighted strong immune responses and recognition of SARS-CoV-2 variant strains, emphasizing the early role of vaccine-induced memory B cells.
SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Allison J. Greaney et al.
Summary: The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 may impact the recognition of the virus by human antibody-mediated immunity, with mutations affecting antibody binding varying significantly among individuals and within the same individual over time. Despite this variability, mutations that greatly reduce antibody binding usually occur at specific sites in the RBD, with E484 being the most crucial. These findings can inform surveillance efforts for SARS-CoV-2 evolution in the future.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kevin R. McCarthy et al.
Summary: The translation above discusses zoonotic pandemics caused by animal viruses spilling over into highly susceptible human populations, specifically focusing on the evolution of coronaviruses in human hosts and the impact of recurrent deletions in the spike glycoprotein on antibody epitopes. These studies help understand the antigenic evolution and adaptive evolution of SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Virology
Shang Yu Gong et al.
Summary: Towards the end of 2020, various variants of concern and interest emerged from the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, with a focus on mutations in the Spike protein and their impact on transmissibility, pathogenesis, and vaccine efficacy. Single mutations were found to have differential contributions to the global variants phenotype related to ACE2 interaction and antigenicity, with enhanced ACE2 interaction mainly being modulated by a decrease in off-rate. Additionally, it was observed that the Spike proteins from emerging variants bind better to ACE2 at 37 degrees C compared to the D614G variant.
News Item
Medicine, General & Internal
Ingrid Torjesen
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Chihiro Motozono et al.
Summary: Research has shown that certain mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants can escape HLA-restricted cellular immunity, increase affinity for host cells, promote viral replication, and potentially affect the evolution of viral phenotypes.
CELL HOST & MICROBE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vivek P. Chavda et al.
Summary: Intranasal vaccines have advantages in targeting SARS-CoV-2 infection, eliciting immune responses, and avoiding infections, while also convenient for self-administration and storage at ambient temperatures.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Bo Meng et al.
Summary: The Delta H69N70 mutation in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein increases infectivity and partially rescues immune escape mutations that impair infectivity. Continued surveillance and research on deletions with functional effects are necessary.
Article
Microbiology
Jiri Zahradnik et al.
Summary: In vitro evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain successfully generated a high-affinity variant effective in inhibiting virus infection. Mutations present in more transmissible viruses were preferentially selected, and increased affinity to ACE2 was positively correlated with the incidence of RBD mutations in the population. The study also identified mutations with potential higher infectivity, and the high-affinity RBD variant showed efficacy in inhibiting infection in vitro and reducing clinical disease in a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 challenge.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Lianpan Dai et al.
Summary: The urgent need for vaccines to control the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid development of multiple vaccine candidates, with some showing positive results in late-stage clinical trials. This article discusses the viral elements used in these candidates, the reasons why they are good targets for the immune system, and their implications for protective immunity. Dai and Gao highlight the importance of selecting the right viral targets in vaccine development to ensure an effective immune response and the overall safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Domenico Benvenuto et al.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Markus Hoffmann et al.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tiffany Tang et al.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2020)
