Publication date: Jun 17, 2025
Objective: : To evaluate the durability of immune responses following prior COVID-19 vaccinations and assess the immunogenicity of a fifth mRNA-based COVID-19 booster dose in patients with liver cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: In this longitudinal cohort study, 33 patients with liver cirrhosis received a fifth booster dose of the Comirnaty Omicron XBB. 1.5(R) (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA vaccine. Peripheral blood samples were collected prior to and four weeks after vaccination. Humoral immunity was assessed by measuring serum antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of spike (anti-RBD-S1) and nucleocapsid proteins. Cellular immunity was evaluated by quantifying ex vivo Spike 1 (S1)-specific T-cell responses, specifically IL-2 release. Results: The fifth mRNA vaccine dose led to a significant increase in anti-RBD-S1 antibody levels and S1-induced IL-2 release, indicating enhanced humoral and cellular immune responses. The optimal interval for booster administration to maintain elevated antibody titers was identified as 10-12 months. Additionally, a history of prior COVID-19 infection significantly influenced post-booster antibody responses. Conclusions: A fifth mRNA-based COVID-19 booster dose significantly augments both humoral and cellular immunity in patients with liver cirrhosis. These findings support the use of a single annual booster dose to maintain adequate immune protection in this vulnerable population.
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Annual | cellular immunity |
| Biontech | COVID-19 vaccination |
| Covid | humoral immunity |
| Liver | liver cirrhosis |
| Vaccine | mRNA booster dose |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| disease | MESH | cirrhosis |
| disease | MESH | liver cirrhosis |
| disease | IDO | blood |
| disease | IDO | cell |
| pathway | REACTOME | Release |
| disease | IDO | history |
| disease | MESH | infection |