Omicron BA.4/5 Neutralization and T-Cell Responses in Organ Transplant Recipients After Booster Messenger RNA Vaccine: A Multicenter Cohort Study

This prospective, multicenter cohort study of organ transplant recipients showed suboptimal neutralization to booster vaccine against BA.4/5, which is especially impacted by age and mycophenolate and prednisone use. Vaccination produced T-cell responses in the majority of patients. Background In solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, the primary vaccination series against Coronavirus Disease 2019 is 3 doses followed by boosters. We determined whether a fourth dose booster induced Omicron BA.4/5 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and T cells in a large multicenter cohort study. Methods Serum was collected 4-6 weeks post-third and post-fourth doses of messenger RNA vaccine in 222 SOT recipients. nAbs were measured using a pseudovirus neutralization assay that targeted the Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein. A subset underwent T-cell testing. Results The median age of the cohort was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR], 50-68) with 61.7% men. BA.4/5 nAb detection increased from 26.6% (59 of 222) post-third dose to 53.6% (119 of 222) post-fourth dose (P < .0001). In patients with breakthrough infection prior to the fourth dose (n = 27), nAbs were detected in 77.8% and median nAb titers were significantly higher compared with those with 4 vaccine doses alone (P < .0001). Factors associated with a low BA.4/5 neutralization response after the fourth dose were older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], .94-.99), mycophenolate use (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, .20-.77) and prednisone use (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, .18-.63), and vaccine type (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, .51-.99), while breakthrough infection prior to the fourth dose (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3-9.9) was associated with a greater nAb response. Polyfunctional BA.4/5-specific CD4(+) T cells significantly increased after 4 doses and were identified in 76.9% of patients at a median frequency of 213/10(6) cells (IQR, 98-650). Conclusions In summary, a booster significantly increases BA.4/5-specific neutralization and polyfunctional CD4(+) T-cell responses, suggesting protection from severe disease even with new Omicron variants. However, SOT recipients who are older and on mycophenolate and prednisone need additional preventative strategies.

Automated summary

This multicenter cohort study found that organ transplant recipients had suboptimal neutralization to the booster vaccine against BA.4/5. Age, mycophenolate, and prednisone use were factors that impacted the neutralization response. However, vaccination did induce T-cell responses in the majority of patients.