Reduced neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine booster dose in people living with HIV with severe immunosuppression

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the immunogenicity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines among people living with HIV (PLWH) with severe immunosuppression, after a booster dose. The design was a case-control study nested in a prospective cohort of PLWH. All patients with CD4 cell count <200 cells/mm³ who had received additional dose of messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine, after a standard immunization scheme were included. Control group: patients age- and sex-matched, with CD4 ≥ 200 cells/mm³ , in the ratio of 2:1. Antibody response to a booster dose (anti-S levels 33.8 ≥ BAU/mL) and neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 B.1, B.1.617.2, and Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5 strains were assessed after the booster shot. Fifty-four PLWH were included, 18 with CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm³ . Fifty-one (94%) showed response to a booster dose. Response was less frequent in PLWH with CD4 < 200 cells/mm³ than in those with CD4 counts ≥ 200 cells/mm³ (15 [83%] vs. 36 [100%], p = 0.033). In the multivariate analysis, CD4 counts ≥ 200 cells/mm³ [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 18.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.8-19.5), p < 0.001] was associated with a higher probability of showing antibody response. Neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2 B.1, B.1.617, BA.1, and BA.2 strains was significantly inferior among individuals with CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm³ . In conclusion, among PLWH with CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm³ , the immune response elicited by mRNA additional vaccine dose is reduced.

Keywords: CD4 T-cell counts; SARS-CoV-2; immune response; people living with HIV; vaccine.