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Infection- or AZD1222 vaccine-mediated immunity reduces SARS-CoV-2 transmission but increases Omicron competitiveness in hamsters

Abstract:
Limited data is available on the effect of vaccination and previous virus exposure on the nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and immune-pressure on variants. To understand the impact of pre-existing immunity on SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission efficiency, we perform a transmission chain experiment using naïve, intranasally or intramuscularly AZD1222 vaccinated, and previously infected hamsters. A clear gradient in transmission efficacy is observed: Transmission in hamsters vaccinated via the intramuscular route was reduced over three airborne chains (approx. 60%) compared to naïve animals, whereas transmission in previously infected hamsters and those vaccinated via the intranasal route was reduced by 80%. We also find that the Delta B.1.617.2 variant outcompeted Omicron B.1.1.529 after dual infection within and between hosts in naïve, vaccinated, and previously infected transmission chains, yet an increase in Omicron B.1.1.529 competitiveness is observed in groups with pre-existing immunity against Delta B.1.617.2. This correlates with an increase in the strength of the humoral response against Delta B.1.617.2, with the strongest response seen in previously infected animals. These data highlight the continuous need to improve vaccination strategies and address the additional evolutionary pressure pre-existing immunity may exert on SARS-CoV-2.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1038/s41467-023-42346-8

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Funder identifier:
https://ror.org/02rdpzb15


Publisher:
Springer Nature
Journal:
Nature Communications More from this journal
Volume:
14
Issue:
1
Article number:
6592
Place of publication:
England
Publication date:
2023-10-18
Acceptance date:
2023-10-06
DOI:
EISSN:
2041-1723
Pmid:
37852960


Language:
English
Pubs id:
1546702
Local pid:
pubs:1546702
Source identifiers:
W4387745100
Deposit date:
2026-04-01
ARK identifier:

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