Humoral immune responses remain quantitatively impaired but improve qualitatively in anti-CD20-treated patients with multiple sclerosis after three or four COVID-19 vaccinations

Mult Scler. 2023 Jun;29(7):884-888. doi: 10.1177/13524585231161253. Epub 2023 Mar 28.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze anti-SARS-CoV-2-S1-IgG levels, avidity, Omicron BA.2 variant neutralizing capacity, and SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in anti-CD20-treated patients with multiple sclerosis (aCD20pwMS) after two, three, or four COVID-19 vaccinations.

Results: Frequencies of aCD20pwMS with detectable SARS-CoV-2-S1-IgG increased moderately between two (31/61 (51%)), three (31/57 (54%)), and four (17/26 (65%)) vaccinations. However, among patients with detectable SARS-CoV-2-S1-IgG, frequencies of high avidity (6/31 (19%) vs 11/17 (65%)) and Omicron neutralizing antibodies (0/10 (0%) vs 6/10 (60%)) increased strongly between two and four vaccinations. SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were detectable in >92% after two or more vaccinations.

Conclusion: Additional vaccinations qualitatively improve SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses.

Keywords: COVID; Multiple sclerosis; SARS-CoV-2; disease-modifying therapies; immunology; vaccine.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Humoral
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G