Infant CD4 T-Cell Response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination Is Restricted in Cytokine Production and Modified by Vaccine Manufacturer - Summary - MDSpire

Infant CD4 T-Cell Response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination Is Restricted in Cytokine Production and Modified by Vaccine Manufacturer

  • By

  • M Quinn Peters

  • Amber L Young

  • Jennifer E Stolarczuk

  • Madeline Glad

  • Erik Layton

  • Jennifer K Logue

  • Nana K Minkah

  • Helen Y Chu

  • Janet A Englund

  • D Noah Sather

  • Chetan Seshadri

  • Alisa Kachikis

  • Whitney E Harrington

  • September 29, 2025

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To characterize the CD4 T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in infants and compare it specifically with adult responses.

Key Findings:
  • Infants showed a significant increase in CD4 T-cells producing IL-2 and TNF-α post-vaccination, but a muted induction of IFN-γ.
  • In contrast, adults exhibited robust production of all three cytokines (IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ) following vaccination.
  • CD4 T-cell responses were greater in infants receiving mRNA-1273 compared to BNT162b.
  • Spike-specific IgG titers were similar in infants and adults.
Interpretation:

Infants have a restricted induction of cytokine-producing CD4 T-cells following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination compared to adults, indicating potential differences in immune response quality that may affect infant immunity.

Limitations:
  • Small sample size of infants (n=13) may limit generalizability and the robustness of conclusions drawn.
  • Limited historical data on T-cell responses in infants compared to adults.
Conclusion:

The study highlights the differences in CD4 T-cell responses between infants and adults following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, suggesting a need for further research to understand the implications for infant immunity and potential strategies to enhance their immune response.

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