SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA Vaccination Leads to Transient Humoral and B Cell Bystander Responses in Adults
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: After antigen encounter, long-lived antibody-secreting cells (ASC) secrete high-affinity circulating antibodies. In addition, memory B cells (MBC) are quickly reactivated upon antigen re-exposure and predominantly generate shorter-lived ASCs. Studies have suggested that MBC can differentiate into ASCs without recognizing their cognate antigen, a process known as "bystander activation". This antigen-independent reactivation of MBC could help maintain circulating antibody levels, thereby protecting against future infections. To elucidate whether SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination leads to bystander activation of B cells, the dynamics of antibody concentrations against six pathogen-specific antigens not encountered during the sampling period were analyzed over time. Deep profiling of antigen-specific B cell responses was simultaneously performed using multiparameter high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry. Antibody concentrations against tetanus toxoid (TT), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza hemagglutinin (HA) unexpectedly increased 6 weeks after the first SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Deep profiling of B cell differentiation stages demonstrated a short-term increase in influenza-specific IgG+ DN3 B cells, RSV-specific IgG+ CD11c+ activated B cells, and TT-specific IgG+ MBC following vaccination. In this study, we demonstrated at both the antibody and cellular levels that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination transiently activates distinct early activated B cell compartments directed against influenza HA, RSV, and TT.
Source: European Journal of Immunology
DOI: 10.1002/eji.70127
Authors: Lisan H. Kuijper, Laura Y. L. Kummer, Laura Fernandez Blanco, Karlijn van der Straten, Mathieu A. F. Claireaux, Amélie V. Bos, Miranda C. Dieker‐Meijer, Tineke Jorritsma, Mariël C. Duurland, Maurice Steenhuis, Juan J. Garcia Vallejo, Koos P. J. van Dam, Eileen W. Stalman, Luuk Wieske, Sander W. Tas, Laura Boekel, Gert‐Jan Wolbink, Theo Rispens, Taco W. Kuijpers, Filip Eftimov, Marit J. van Gils, Anja ten Brinke, S. Marieke van Ham, T2B! immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 study group
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,550
Funder: ZonMw
Award: G5718212926
OpenAlex ID: W7119162308