Big difference between Pfizer and Astrazeneca vaccines
Ghent, September 15, 2021 – UZ Gent and VIB researchers (Flemish Institute for Biotechnology) studied the production of CIVID-19 antibodies in the nose. 78.3% of the study participants built antibodies on this site after their vaccination. These antibodies in the nose can be a major brake on infection and propagation.
Antibody as protection against COVID-19
“The coronavirus enters our body through the upper respiratory tract”, explains the specialist of the nose, throat and ears specialist. Dr. Philippe Gevaert. “The neutralizing antibodies in our blood makes the virus harmless by blocking the binding of peak proteins to human cells. If the antibodies are also present in the nose, they can already form a first barrier against the entrance of the virus. It is therefore Important to also study the reaction to an infection and vaccination in the nose. ‘
Most antibodies in the nose after the vaccination of Pfizer
The blood and the nose were examined twice in 46 participants in the study: just before the first vaccination with Pfizer or Astrazeneca and 13 to 40 days after the second vaccination. 23 participants had an infection before their vaccination. Just before their first vaccination, only 17.4% of them showed antibodies in the nose. After a total vaccination, 78.3% of all participants built antibodies in the nose.
Participants who received Pfizer have shown more antibodies (96%) than participants who received AstraZeneca (59%). In addition, local Pfizer antibodies have shown stronger neutralization of viral peaks protein than in AstraZeneca. A past COVID-19 infection had no influence on the results. Blood analysis showed the same amount of antibodies in both vaccination groups.
Continuation of the study
It is not yet clear why some vaccines generate antibodies in the nose more often than others. “The explanation may be due to a different period between the two doses or a different effect of vaccines,” suspects a teacher infectious disease specialist. Dr. Linos Vandekerckhove. “In a follow-up study, we will map the subsequent evolution of the antibody response into the blood and in the nose. We hope to make more clarity in this way. “