T-cell response following COVID booster vaccination in seronegative people with multiple sclerosis

• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-abn2.25
• Publication Date: 2022-08-12T15:45:51Z
• Authors: Emma Tallantyre; Nicola Vickaryous; Aidan Richards; Francesca Rios; Katila George; Martin Scurr; Andrew Godkin; Samantha Loveless; Ruth Dobson
• Keywords: Seroconversion; Ocrelizumab; Booster dose

Background Attenuated vaccine response is a concern in people receiving immunosuppression. It unclear whether booster vaccinations improve immunity this context. Methods T-cell and antibody responses to Sars-COV-2 RBD (spike protein) were measured following third COVID-19 (v3) with MS who IgG seronegative after vaccines 1&2. Results 41 (30:11 female:male; mean age 45.6 years) included; 28 ocreli- zumab 6 fingolimod, the remainder on other immunosuppressants. Samples taken 4-8 weeks v3. Anti-RBD seroconversion v3 occurred 10/28 (36%) ocrelizumab 5/6 (83%) fingolimod. detected 24/28 (86%) treated 0/6 (0%) All those had seroconverted. There was an association between evidence of previous infection (p=0.0025), but not vaccination (Fisher’s exact p=0.2). Four patients (all ocrelizumab) experienced confirmed COVID since March 2020; 2 admitted hospital. Conclusions Seroconversion occurs proportion dose 3. frequently seen despite lack humoral immunity. The clinical correlates T cell remain be established.