[PDF][PDF] SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages exhibit distinct antibody escape patterns

H Gruell, K Vanshylla, M Korenkov, P Tober-Lau… - Cell Host & Microbe, 2022 - cell.com
H Gruell, K Vanshylla, M Korenkov, P Tober-Lau, M Zehner, F Münn, H Janicki, M Augustin…
Cell Host & Microbe, 2022cell.com
SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies play a critical role in COVID-19 prevention and
treatment but are challenged by viral evolution and the emergence of novel escape variants.
Importantly, the recently identified Omicron sublineages BA. 2.12. 1 and BA. 4/5 are rapidly
becoming predominant in various countries. By determining polyclonal serum activity of 50
convalescent or vaccinated individuals against BA. 1, BA. 1.1, BA. 2, BA. 2.12. 1, and BA.
4/5, we reveal a further reduction in BA. 4/5 susceptibility to vaccinee sera. Most notably …
Summary
SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies play a critical role in COVID-19 prevention and treatment but are challenged by viral evolution and the emergence of novel escape variants. Importantly, the recently identified Omicron sublineages BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5 are rapidly becoming predominant in various countries. By determining polyclonal serum activity of 50 convalescent or vaccinated individuals against BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4/5, we reveal a further reduction in BA.4/5 susceptibility to vaccinee sera. Most notably, delineation of sensitivity to an extended 163-antibody panel demonstrates pronounced antigenic differences with distinct escape patterns among Omicron sublineages. Antigenic distance and/or higher resistance may therefore favor immune-escape-mediated BA.4/5 expansion after the first Omicron wave. Finally, while most clinical-stage monoclonal antibodies are inactive against Omicron sublineages, we identify promising antibodies with high pan-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing potency. Our study provides a detailed understanding of Omicron-sublineage antibody escape that can inform on effective strategies against COVID-19.
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