Genetic variation in HLA, IGKV, and HHEX loci influences mRNA vaccine-induced humoral protection against COVID-19.
- Open access
Genetic variation in HLA, IGKV, and HHEX loci significantly influences COVID-19 vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody responses and protection, with HLA linked to reduced breakthrough infections.
- Why it matters: Understanding genetic factors that affect immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines can improve personalized vaccination strategies and enhance protection against infection, addressing gaps in knowledge about immune variability beyond antibody binding.
- What they did: Researchers conducted genome-wide association studies on antibody levels and live-virus neutralization in two German cohorts of infection-naïve individuals after two and three vaccine doses, analyzing 4,531 participants.
- The result: Findings show HLA variations are associated with stronger neutralizing responses and fewer breakthrough infections, while IGKV and HHEX loci relate to antibody concentrations and memory B-cell pathways, informing tailored immunization approaches.