Hybrid and SARS-CoV-2-vaccine immunity in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract

Background: Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at high risk for severe COVID-19 and have demonstrated poor response to vaccination, making it unclear whether successive vaccinations offer immunity and protection.

Methods: We conducted a serologically guided interventional study where KTR patients that failed to seroconvert were revaccinated and also monitored seroconversion of KTR following the Norwegian vaccination program. We analysed IgG anti-RBD Spike responses from dose 2 (n = 432) up to after the 6th (n = 37) mRNA vaccine dose. The frequency and phenotype of Spike-specific T and B cell responses were assessed in the interventional cohort after 3-4 vaccine doses (n = 30). Additionally, we evaluated the Specific T and B cell response to breakthrough infection (n = 32), measured inflammatory cytokines and broadly cross-neutralizing antibodies, and defined the incidence of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths. The Norwegian KTR cohort has a male dominance (2323 males, 1297 females), PBMC were collected from 114 male and 78 female donors.

Findings: After vaccine dose 3, most KTR developed Spike-specific T cell responses but had significantly reduced Spike-binding B cells and few memory cells. The B cell response included a cross-reactive subset that could bind Omicron VOC, which expanded after breakthrough infection (BTI) and gave rise to a memory IgG⁺ B cell response. After BTI, KTR had increased Spike-specific T cells, emergent non-Spike T and B cell responses, and a systemic inflammatory signature. Late seroconversion occurred after doses 5-6, but 38% (14/37) of KTR had no detectable immunity even after multiple vaccine doses.

Interpretation: Boosting vaccination can induce Spike-specific immunity that may expand in breakthrough infections highlighting the benefit of vaccination to protect this vulnerable population.

Funding: CEPI and internal funds.

Keywords: Anti-viral T and B cell immunity; B cell differentiation and immunity; COVID-19 vaccination; Kidney transplant recipients; T cell responses.