A latest evaluation by Cedars-Sinai investigators is furthering the scientific community’s understanding of COVID-19 immunity by showing that similar levels of COVID-19 antibodies are reached over an prolonged time period in several population groups.

Early data on COVID-19 vaccines had indicated disparities in antibody responses between certain demographic groups. Particularly, the information showed higher antibody responses in females, younger individuals, and those that experienced prior COVID-19 infections.

The brand new evaluation, published today within the peer-reviewed Journal of Internal Medicine, extends prior findings by measuring antibody levels as much as two years after initial vaccination in greater than 4,000 patients and healthcare staff. That is the primary study to take a look at data from such an prolonged time period.

The findings indicate that multiple COVID-19-related exposures–comprised mainly of vaccine doses acquired over an extended follow-up period–appear to have resulted in an “equalization” of previously seen disparities within the magnitude of antibody response. Thus, most individuals had relatively similar antibody levels in the long term, providing they continued to get the really helpful vaccines.

The evaluation uncovered two notable exceptions–individuals with autoimmune diseases and solid organ transplant patients. Those patients experienced lower long-term antibody levels than did individuals without these conditions.

These findings stress the importance of remaining up to this point on COVID-19 vaccination and boosters to sustain protective antibody levels.”

Joseph E. Ebinger, MD, assistant professor of cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai and co-first creator of the study

Ebinger said the evaluation highlights the necessity for continued vigilance to attenuate COVID-19 spread and protect essentially the most vulnerable patients.

One other of the study’s authors, Stanley C. Jordan, MD, director of the Comprehensive Transplant Center’s Human Leukocyte Antigen and Transplant Immunology Laboratory, agreed and stressed that, relating to COVID-19, antibodies are key markers of immune response, though antibodies don’t tell the entire story.

“For these immunocompromised patients, T cells may play a bigger role in painting the general picture of COVID-19 immunity,” said Jordan, professor of Medicine. “Providers must be monitoring these patients closely and supply them with more tailored immune-modulating therapies.”

Ebinger said that, because the world continues to learn to live with COVID-19, further research will probably be needed to grasp what aspects along with vaccination may enhance longer-lasting immunity.

Source:

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Journal reference:

Ebinger, J.E., et al. (2023) Long-term durability of antibody responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and influencing aspects. Journal of Internal Medicine. doi.org/10.1111/joim.13601.