The Overlooked Nucleocapsid Response: A Cohort Study of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Brazil

TL;DR

This study examines immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Brazil, focusing on antibodies against the Nucleocapsid protein and how they change after booster doses.

Contribution

The study reveals how CoronaVac and a BNT162b2 booster affect anti-Nucleocapsid antibody dynamics, which are often overlooked.

Findings

CoronaVac increases anti-N antibodies up to 62.09% after two doses, but levels decline over time.

A BNT162b2 booster significantly boosts anti-S antibodies to 31,394 AU/mL.

Monitoring antibody dynamics can help optimize vaccination strategies for high-risk groups.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 has caused global disruptions, prompting studies on immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly antibodies against the Spike (S) protein. However, responses to the Nucleocapsid (N) protein remain less explored. This study evaluated whether CoronaVac induces anti-N antibodies, and analyzed antibody dynamics after a BNT162b2 booster, given that CoronaVac targets both S and N proteins, while BNT162b2 targets only the S protein. Serum samples were collected at multiple intervals post-vaccination. The percentage of participants with positive anti-N antibodies increased from 40.26% to 62.09% after two doses of CoronaVac, but declined over time, reaching 29.07% and 18.87% after the second and third doses, respectively. However, seropositivity rose to 43.48% three months after the booster. Anti-S antibody levels peaked at 31,394 AU/mL after the booster, compared to 723.4 AU/mL after the first dose. These findings indicate that CoronaVac stimulates antibody responses against both S and N proteins. Monitoring antibody dynamics is crucial for optimizing vaccination strategies, particularly for high-risk populations, to help control COVID-19.

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