A new study led by researchers from the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent University, and University Hospital Ghent has revealed that repeated doses of mRNA vaccines significantly enhance the production of mucosal antibodies, including those found in the nasal passages. This discovery, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests a promising advancement in the fight against COVID-19 by potentially strengthening defenses at key entry points for the virus.
As part of the ongoing global strategy to combat COVID-19, booster shots have become a critical tool to protect against emerging variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These additional vaccine doses aim to update the immune system, offering enhanced protection.
The researchers focused on understanding the effect of multiple mRNA vaccinations on mucosal immunity, particularly in the respiratory tract. Their study involved a cohort of 183 participants, who were monitored at various intervals after receiving their primary vaccinations and subsequent boosters.
PhD student Jozefien Declercq, from VIB-UGent, explained the findings: “We observed that individuals who received multiple mRNA vaccine doses showed a significant increase in neutralizing antibodies within their nasal secretions. These antibodies are crucial in blocking the virus from entering the body. Interestingly, the immune responses triggered by the vaccines may last longer than we initially expected, giving us hope for prolonged protection against new variants of the virus.”
One of the key questions posed by the study was how antibodies generated by the vaccines reach the nasal mucosa. The research suggests that repeated vaccinations not only strengthen overall systemic immunity but also enhance mucosal antibody production, offering a more localized defense against viral infection.
Prof. Dr. Linos Vandekerckhove of Ghent University, a senior co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of mucosal immunity in combating COVID-19. “Our findings provide robust evidence that repeated mRNA vaccinations can enhance mucosal antibody responses or boost existing infection-induced mucosal immunity. These responses are essential for preventing the virus from establishing itself in the body at its entry points,” Vandekerckhove said. “This could have significant implications for public health, particularly as we continue to face the threat of new variants.”
This research underscores the broader benefits of mRNA vaccines beyond systemic immunity, offering insights that could help shape future vaccination strategies as the world adapts to the evolving challenges of the pandemic.
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