Beyond adaptive immunity: induction of trained immunity by COVID-19 adenoviral vaccines
Mihai G. Netea, Leo A.B. Joosten
Mihai G. Netea, Leo A.B. Joosten
Published January 17, 2023
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2023;133(2):e166467. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI166467.
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Commentary

Beyond adaptive immunity: induction of trained immunity by COVID-19 adenoviral vaccines

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has resulted in much human suffering and societal disruption. The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against COVID-19 has had a crucial role in the fight against the pandemic. While ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 has been shown to induce adaptive B and T cell responses, which protect against COVID-19, in this issue of the JCI, Murphy et al. show that this vaccine also induces trained innate immunity. This finding contributes to a better understanding of the complex immunological effects of adenoviral-based vaccines, provides the possibility of clinically relevant heterologous effects of these vaccines, and suggests that other adenoviral-based vaccines may induce trained immunity.

Authors

Mihai G. Netea, Leo A.B. Joosten

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Figure 1

The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine induces both classical adaptive immunity and trained immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

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The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine induces both classical adaptive immunity and...
Within a few weeks of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination, T cells and B cells collaborate to generate specific antibodies and activated cells that protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Up to three months after vaccination, monocytes show increased frequency in the peripheral blood. They also show increased expression of activation markers, costimulatory molecules, glycolysis-associated enzymes, and cytokines. Increases in these factors are likely a consequence of epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming.