Randomized trial shows reduced neutralizing potency in vaccine recipients compared to convalescents, suggesting changes in antibody targeting.
Key Points
This research aims to understand how the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein affects antibody responses in vaccinated individuals compared to those recovered from infection.
Evaluated neutralizing antibody responses in large cohorts of vaccinated and convalescent individuals.
Measured the neutralizing potency index (NPI) and RBD IgG titers.
Utilized molecular dynamics simulations and binding assays to study epitope exposure.
NPI is approximately fivefold lower in vaccine recipients compared to convalescent individuals.
The lower NPI is linked to greater targeting of conserved and occluded RBD epitopes.
Stabilizing mutations in the vaccine spike antigen alter conformational dynamics, exposing occluded epitopes.