Introduction:
With a significant number of PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa, concerns have been raised about their susceptibility to severe COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants. Prior studies showed reduced antibody responses in PLWH following SARS-CoV-2 infection, raising concerns about potential reservoirs for the virus.
Study Findings:
The study compared antibody responses in PLWH with COVID-19, both unvaccinated and vaccinated with the ChAdOx1 vaccine, to those in people without HIV. Antibody responses in unvaccinated PLWH not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were found to be reduced. However, PLWH on ART exhibited higher antibody responses similar to people without HIV.
Fc-Effector Functions:
The study also explored Fc-effector functions, crucial in reducing COVID-19 severity and mortality. Fc-dependent responses were found to be slightly different between PLWH and people without HIV, with the Beta variant inducing lower Fc-mediated responses in PLWH. Additionally, antibody kinetics varied with the variant and HIV status, but PLWH showed coordinated responses, leading to comparable outcomes with people without HIV.
Vaccination Impact:
Among the vaccinated cohort, PLWH showed slower binding IgG responses after the first vaccine dose but eventually exhibited increased antibody titers after the second dose. Importantly, PLWH demonstrated strong ADCC responses that lasted up to 180 days. ADCC activity could be key in achieving a durable and broad immune response following vaccination in PLWH.
Implications:
The study findings underscore the importance of HIV treatment and vaccination in PLWH, as they were able to elicit high levels of immune responses. The data support rapid ART rollout and current vaccination strategies for PLWH. However, individuals not on ART remain at risk of lowered immune responses and should be prioritized for vaccination.
Source: News Medical