Ad26.COV2.S breakthrough infections induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

• DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100535
• Publication Date: 2022-02-10T03:50:38Z
• Authors: Dale Kitchin; Simone I. Richardson; Mieke A. van der ...; Thopisang Motlou; Nonkululeko Mzindle; Thandeka Moyo-Gwete; Zanele Makhado; Frances Ayres; Nelia P. Manamela; Holly Spencer; Bronwen Lambson; Brent Oosthuysen; Haajira Kaldine; Marizane du Pisanie; Mathilda Mennen; Sango Skelem; Noleen Williams; Ntobeko A.B. Ntusi; Wendy A. Burgers; Glenda G. Gray; Linda-Gail Bekker; Michael T. Boswell; Theresa M. Rossouw; Veronica Ueckermann; Penny L. Moore
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Ad26.COV2.S; COVID-19 Vaccines; Ad26COVS1; SARS-CoV-2; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); COVID-19; Viral Vaccines; Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant; Infections; Antibodies, Viral; Antibodies, Neutralizing; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Report; Humans; Vaccine

AbstractThe Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Ad26.COV2.S non-replicating viral vector vaccine has been widely deployed for COVID-19 vaccination programs in resource-limited settings. Here we confirm that neutralizing and binding responses to Ad26.COV2.S vaccination are stable for 6 months post-vaccination, when tested against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. Secondly, using longitudinal samples from individuals who experienced clinically mild breakthrough infections 4 to 5 months after vaccination, we show dramatically boosted binding antibodies, Fc effector function and neutralization. These high titer responses are of similar magnitude to humoral immune responses measured in severely ill, hospitalized donors, and are cross-reactive against diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the extremely neutralization resistant Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant that currently dominates global infections, as well as SARS-CoV-1. These data have implications for population immunity in areas where the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine has been widely deployed, but where ongoing infections continue to occur at high levels.