Omicron-Specific Cytotoxic T-Cell Responses After a Third Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab

• DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.0245
• Publication Date: 2022-02-25T16:31:34Z
• Authors: Natacha Madelon; Nelli Heikkilä; Irène Sabater Royo; Paola Fontannaz; Gautier Breville; Kim Lauper; Rachel Goldstein; Alba Grifoni; Alessandro Sette; Claire-Anne Siegrist; Axel Finckh; Patrice H. Lalive; Arnaud M. Didierl...; Christiane S. Ebe...
• Keywords: Ocrelizumab

The SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) escapes neutralizing antibodies elicited after COVID-19 vaccination, while T-cell responses might be better conserved. It is crucial to assess how a third vaccination modifies these responses, particularly for immunocompromised patients with readily impaired antibody responses.To determine the Omicron spike protein in anti-CD20-treated multiple sclerosis (MS) before and messenger RNA vaccination.In this prospective cohort study conducted from March 2021 November at University Hospital Geneva, adults MS receiving anti-CD20 treatment (ocrelizumab) were identified by their treating neurologists enrolled study. A total of 20 received dose vaccine included analysis.Blood sampling 1 month dose.Quantification CD4 CD8 (cytotoxic) T cells specific proteins strain as well Delta variants, comparing frequencies dose.Of patients, 11 (55%) male, median (IQR) age was 45.8 (37.8-53.3) years. Spike-specific memory against all variants maintained 9 12 6 months second albeit lower compared (CD8 cells: Delta, 83.0%; 95% CI, 73.6-114.5; Omicron, 78.9%; 59.4-100.0; 72.2%; 67.4-90.5; 62.5%; 51.0-89.0). enhanced number responders (11 15 patients) significantly increased but Omicron-specific remained 71.1% (95% 41.6-96.2) strain.In treated ocrelizumab, there robust recognizing suggesting that taking B-cell-depleting drugs may protect them serious complications infection. response rates dose, demonstrating importance booster population.