Third dose of SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccination produces robust persistent cellular and humoral immune responses in liver transplant recipients

Liver Int. 2023 May;43(5):1120-1125. doi: 10.1111/liv.15557. Epub 2023 Apr 1.

Abstract

Weaker responses have been described after two doses of anti-SARS-CoV2 vaccination in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). At the Italian National Institute for Infectious Diseases, 122 LTRs (84% males, median age 64 years) were tested for humoral and cell-mediated immune response after a third doses of anti-SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccines. Humoral response was measured by quantifying anti-receptor binding domain and neutralizing antibodies; cell-mediated response was measured by quantifying IFN-γ after stimulation of T cells with SARS-CoV-2-specific peptides. Humoral and cellular responses improved significantly compared to the second vaccine dose; 86.4% of previous non-responders to the first 2 vaccine doses (N = 22) became responders. Mycophenolate mofetil-containing regimens were not associated with lower response rates to a third vaccine; shorter time since transplantation (<6 years) was associated with lower humoral and cellular responses to third vaccine. Protective antibodies against Omicron variant were detected in 60% of patients 12 weeks after third vaccine dose.

Keywords: SARS-CoV2 vaccination; anti-RBD titre; interferon-γ; liver transplant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Humoral
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Messenger
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Transplant Recipients
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Antibodies, Viral

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants