Cellular and molecular insights into the individual difference in COVID-19 mRNA vaccine responses

Abstract

The effectiveness of vaccines in preventing infection from specific pathogens is closely related to the magnitude of the antigen-specific T cell and antibody responses induced by the vaccine. These responses depend on the immune states of the individual, which is shaped by genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies using omics technologies identified immune cells, genes, and gut microbial species and metabolic pathways at baseline or during early vaccine responses as correlates of vaccine responses. These findings shed light on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the inter-individual differences in vaccine responses. In this review, we provide an overview of correlates of recently developed COVID-19 mRNA vaccine-induced adaptive immune responses.