Immune Responses to a Single Dose of the AZD1222/Covishield Vaccine at 16 Weeks in Individuals in Sri Lanka

J Immunol. 2021 Dec 1;207(11):2681-2687. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100762. Epub 2021 Nov 8.

Abstract

Due to limited access to vaccines, many countries have only administered a single dose of the AZD1222, whereas the dosage intervals have increased ≥4 wk. We sought to investigate the immunogenicity of a single dose of vaccine at ≥16 wk postimmunization. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific Abs in 553 individuals and Abs to the receptor-binding domain of the Wuhan virus (wild-type) and the variants of concern, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor blocking Abs ex vivo and cultured IFN-γ T cell (Homo sapiens) responses and B cell (H. sapiens) ELISPOT responses, were investigated in a subcohort. The seropositivity rates in those >70 y of age (93.7%) was not significantly different compared with other age groups (97.7-98.2; Pearson χ2 = 7.8; p = 0.05). The Ab titers (Ab index) significantly declined (p < 0.0001) with increase in age. A total of 18 of 69 (26.1%) of individuals did not have angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor-blocking Abs, whereas responses to the receptor-binding domain of wild-type (p = 0.03), B.1.1.7 (p = 0.04), and B.1.617.2 (p = 0.02) were significantly lower in those who were >60 y. Ex vivo IFN-γ T cell ELISPOT responses were seen in 10 of 66 (15.1%), whereas only a few expressed CD107a. However, >85% had a high frequency of cultured IFN-γ T cell ELISPOT responses and B cell ELISPOTs. Virus-specific Abs were maintained at ≥16 wk after receiving a single dose of AZD1222, although levels were lower to variants of concern, especially in older individuals. A single dose induced a high frequency of memory T and B cell responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / pharmacology*
  • ChAdOx1 nCoV-19
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • SARS-CoV-2 / drug effects*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • ChAdOx1 nCoV-19