Sputnik V-Induced Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Variants during the Dissemination of the Gamma Variant in Venezuela

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by the emergence and succession of SARS-CoV-2 variants able to evade the antibody response induced by natural infection and vaccination. To evaluate the IgG reactivity and neutralizing capacity of the serum of individuals vaccinated with Sputnik V (105 volunteers vaccinated) against different viral variants. IgG reactivity to the Spike protein (S) was evaluated by ELISA. A plaque reduction neutralization test was performed using different viral variant isolates. At 42 days post-vaccination, the frequency of recognition and reactivity to the S protein of the Omicron variant was lower compared to that of the other variants. In general, a higher average neutralization titer was seen against the ancestral variant compared to the variants, especially Omicron. However, some sera exhibited a higher neutralization titer to the Gamma variant compared to the ancestral variant, suggesting unapparent exposure during the clinical trial. Antibodies induced by Sputnik V can recognize, persist, and neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants, with Omicron being the one that best evades this response. These results represent a unique report on the humoral response induced by a globally lesser-studied vaccine in terms of efficacy and immune escape, offering insights into developing vaccines targeting unknown coronaviruses.