Preserved T cell reactivity to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant indicates continued protection in vaccinated individuals
Authors: De Marco Lorenzo , D’Orso Silvia , Pirronello Marta , Verdiani Alice , Termine Andrea , Fabrizio Carlo , Capone Alessia , Sabatini Andrea , Guerrera Gisella , Placido Roberta , Sambucci Manolo , Angelini Daniela F. , Giannessi Flavia , Picozza Mario , Caltagirone Carlo , Salvia Antonino , Volpe Elisabetta , Balice Maria Pia , Rossini Angelo , Rötzschke Olaf , Giardina Emiliano , Battistini Luca , Borsellino Giovanna ,   Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
Published: December 2021

Importance

The emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 and the findings of a significantly reduced neutralizing potency of sera from convalescent or vaccinated individuals imposes the study of cellular immunity to predict the degree of immune protection to the yet again new coronavirus.

Design

Prospective monocentric observational study.

Setting

Conducted between December 20-21 at the Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS.

Participants

61 volunteers (Mean age 41.62, range 21-62; 38F/23M) with different vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection backgrounds donated 15 ml of blood. Of these donors, one had recently completed chemotherapy, and one was undergoing treatment with monoclonal antibodies; the others reported no known health issue.

Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)

The outcomes were the measurement of T cell reactivity to the mutated regions of the Spike protein of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant and the assessment of remaining T cell immunity to the spike protein by stimulation with peptide libraries.

Results

Lymphocytes from freshly drawn blood samples were isolated and immediately tested for reactivity to the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. T cell responses to peptides covering the mutated regions in the Omicron variant were decreased by over 47% compared to the same regions of the ancestral vaccine strain. However, overall reactivity to the peptide library of the full-length protein was largely maintained (estimated 83%). No significant differences in loss of immune recognition were identified between groups of donors with different vaccination and/or infection histories.

Conclusions and Relevance

We conclude that despite the mutations in the Spike protein, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is nonetheless recognized by the cellular component of the immune system. It is reasonable to assume that protection from hospitalization and severe disease is maintained.

Key Points

Question

Does the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 escape cellular immunity?

Findings

This observational study was performed on 61 vaccinated donors with established immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Cellular responses to the mutated regions of the Omicron Spike protein were detected in 80% of donors. The mutations reduced T cell recognition by 47% compared to the vaccine strain. Reactivity to the whole Spike protein, however, was present in 100% of donors, and the fraction of remaining immunity to SARS-CoV-2 was estimated to be 83%.

Meaning

Cellular immunity to the Omicron variant is maintained despite the mutations in its Spike protein, and may thus confer protection from severe COVID-19 in vaccinated individuals.