Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 and JN.1 Variants Following XBB.1.5 Booster Vaccination in Liver Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The efficacy of monovalent BNT162b2 Omicron XBB.1.5 booster vaccination in liver transplant recipients (LTRs) has yet to be described, particularly regarding the immune response to emerging variants like JN.1. Methods: This study evaluated humoral and cellular immune responses in 34 liver transplant recipients (LTRs) with varying SARS-CoV-2 immune histories before and after receiving a BNT162b2 Omicron XBB.1.5 booster vaccination. The assessment involved variant-specific serology, pseudovirus neutralization tests, and Interferon-γ release assays. Results: Participants had a median of four prior vaccinations, with 91.2% having a history of infection. Post-vaccination, significant increases in both Wuhan anti-S and Omicron-specific IgG antibodies and improved neutralization of B.1, XBB.1.5, and JN.1 pseudovirus particles were observed. Also, T-cell responses significantly increased post-vaccination. However, 17.6% of LTRs had no neutralizing antibodies against XBB.1.5 and JN.1, while 100% of healthy controls did. Shortly after vaccination, 18% of patients developed mild COVID-19. These LTRs had particularly low immune responses at baseline. Conclusions: The monovalent XBB.1.5 booster improved overall SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity. However, some LTRs still showed low or undetectable immune responses, indicating that ongoing monitoring and further booster doses are necessary in this high-risk group.