An unexpected IgE anti-receptor binding domain response following natural infection and different types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

Author(s)

Portilho, Amanda Izeli ; Silva, Valeria Oliveira ; Da Costa, Hernan Hermes Monteiro ; Yamashiro, Rosemeire ; de Oliveira, Isabela Penteriche ; de Campos, Ivana Barros ; Prudencio, Carlos Roberto ; Matsuda, Elaine Monteiro ; Brigido, Luis Fernando de Macedo ; De Gaspari, Elizabeth

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 14, n. 1, p. 12-pg., 2024-08-28.

Abstract

Humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 has been studied, predominantly the classical IgG and its subclasses. Although IgE antibodies are typically specific to allergens or parasites, a few reports describe their production in response to SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Here, we investigated IgE specific to receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 in a Brazilian cohort following natural infection and vaccination. Samples from 59 volunteers were assessed after infection (COVID-19), primary immunization with vectored (ChAdOx1) or inactivated (CoronaVac) vaccines, and booster immunization with mRNA (BNT162b2) vaccine. Natural COVID-19 induced IgE, but vaccination increased its levels. Subjects vaccinated with two doses of ChAdOx1 exhibited a more robust response than those immunized with two doses of CoronaVac; however, after boosting with BNT162b2, all groups presented similar IgE levels. IgE showed intermediate-to-high avidity, especially after the booster vaccine. We also found IgG4 antibodies, mainly after the booster, and they moderately correlated with IgE. ELISA results were confirmed by control assays, using IgG depletion by protein G and lack of reactivity with heterologous antigen. In our cohort, no clinical data could be associated with the IgE response. We advocate for further research on IgE and its role in viral immunity, extending beyond allergies and parasitic infections. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/04202-0 - Study of the immunogenicity of outer membrane antigens of Neisseria meningitidis and interaction with cationic lipids: evaluation of new adjuvant for Neisseria meningitidis in different strains of elderly mice
• Grantee: Elizabeth Natal de Gaspari
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/11936-3 - Center for Translational Science and Biopharmaceutical Development
• Grantee: Benedito Barraviera
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Science Centers for Development
• FAPESP's process: 22/05566-1 - Construction and selection of a library of scFv monoclonal antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by Phage Display technology
• Grantee: Hernan Hermes Monteiro da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/14384-9 - Identification and characterization of acute cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection
• Grantee: Luís Fernando de Macedo Brígido
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research in Public Policies