Preexisting memory CD4 T cells in naïve individuals confer robust immunity upon vaccination

Elias, G.; Meysman, P.; Bartholomeus, E.; De Neuter, N.; Keersmaekers, N.; Suls, A.; Jansens, H.; Souquette, A.; De Reu, H.; Smits, E.; Lion, E.; Thomas, P. G.; Mortier, G.; Van Damme, P.; Beutels, P.; Laukens, K.; Van Tendeloo, V.; Ogunjimi, B.

doi:10.1101/2020.08.22.262568

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.08.22.262568

Preexisting memory CD4 T cells in naïve individuals confer robust immunity upon vaccination

Elias, G.·Meysman, P.·Bartholomeus, E.·De Neuter, N.·Keersmaekers, N.·Suls, A.·Jansens, H.·Souquette, A.·De Reu, H.·Smits, E.·Lion, E.·Thomas, P. G.·Mortier, G.·Van Damme, P.·Beutels, P.·Laukens, K.·Van Tendeloo, V.·Ogunjimi, B.

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Abstract

Antigen recognition through the T cell receptor (TCR) {beta} heterodimer is one of the primary determinants of the adaptive immune response. Vaccines activate naive T cells with high specificity to expand and differentiate into memory T cells. However, antigen-specific memory CD4 T cells exist in unexposed antigen-naive hosts. In this study, we use high-throughput sequencing of memory CD4 TCR{beta} repertoire and machine learning to show that individuals with preexisting vaccine-reactive memory CD4 T cell clonotypes elicited earlier and higher antibody titers and mounted a more robust CD4 T cell response to hepatitis B vaccine. In addition, integration of TCR{beta} sequence patterns into a hepatitis B vaccine specific model can predict which individuals will have an early and more vigorous vaccine-elicited immunity. Thus, the presence of preexisting memory T clonotypes has a significant impact on immunity and can be used to predict immune responses to vaccination.

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Elias, G., Meysman, P., Bartholomeus, E., De Neuter, N., Keersmaekers, N., Suls, A., Jansens, H., Souquette, A., De Reu, H., Smits, E., Lion, E., Thomas, P. G., Mortier, G., Van Damme, P., Beutels, P., Laukens, K., Van Tendeloo, V., Ogunjimi, B.. 2020-08-25. Preexisting memory CD4 T cells in naïve individuals confer robust immunity upon vaccination. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.08.22.262568

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