Exposures to different SARS-CoV-2 spike variants elicit neutralizing antibody responses with differential specificity towards established and emerging strains

Laurie, M. T.; Liu, J.; Sunshine, S.; Peng, J.; Black, D.; Mitchell, A. M.; Mann, S. A.; Pilarowski, G.; Zorn, K. C.; Rubio, L.; Bravo, S.; Marquez, C.; Petersen, M.; Havlir, D.; DeRisi, J.

The wide spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 variants with phenotypes impacting transmission and antibody sensitivity necessitates investigation of the immune response to different spike protein versions. Here, we compare the neutralization of variants of concern, including B.1.617.2 (Delta) in sera from individuals exposed to variant infection, vaccination, or both. We demonstrate that neutralizing antibody responses are strongest against variants sharing one or more spike mutations with the immunizing exposure. We also observe that exposure to multiple spike variants increases the breadth of variant cross-neutralization. These findings contribute to understanding the relationship between exposures and antibody responses and may inform booster vaccination strategies.