Detailed analysis of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection in macaques

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010155
• Publication Date: 2022-04-11T17:35:05Z
• Authors: Alexandra C. Willcox; Kevin Sung; Meghan E. Garrett; Jared G. Galloway; Jesse H. Erasmus; Jennifer K. Logue; David W. Hawman; Helen Y. Chu; Kim J. Hasenkrug; Deborah H. Fuller; Frederick A. Mats...; Julie Overbaugh
• Keywords: Rhesus macaque; Epitope mapping

Macaques are a commonly used model for studying immunity to human viruses, including studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. However, it is unknown whether macaque antibody responses resemble the response in humans. To answer this question, we employed phage-based deep mutational scanning approach (Phage-DMS) compare which linear epitopes targeted on Spike protein convalescent humans, (re-infected) rhesus macaques, mRNA-vaccinated repRNA-vaccinated pigtail macaques. We also Phage-DMS determine escape pathways within each epitope, enabling granular comparison binding specificities at locus level. Overall, identified some common epitope targets both macaques fusion peptide (FP) stem helix-heptad repeat 2 (SH-H) regions. Differences between groups included N-terminal domain (NTD) C-terminal (CTD) vaccinated humans but not as well recognition CTD flanking FP There was considerable variability among individuals group. Sera from showed least overall converged with SH-H region, suggesting highly similar antibodies were elicited. Collectively, these findings suggest that shares many features substantial differences certain individual profiles, diverse repertoire can respond major species exposure type may contribute findings.