Cross-neutralization of human sera with diverse SARS-CoV-2 omicron exposure histories, 2022-2024: Evidence of immune heterogeneity.

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages continue to evolve, driving recurrent infection waves since 2022 through immune escape in populations with diverse immunological histories. Understanding cross-variant neutralization capacity, especially against emerging variants like JN.1, is critical for optimizing protection strategies.

METHODS

We conducted genomic surveillance in Jiangsu Province (December 2022-February 2024) to identify circulating variants and stratified 150 participants into six cohorts based on immune histories (BA.5/XBB breakthrough infections, JN.1 infections, and sequential exposures). Pseudovirus neutralization assays were employed to evaluate serum responses against ancestral (WT), early Omicron (BA.4/5, BF.7, BQ.1), recombinant (XBB/XBB.1.5/XBB.1.22/EG.5.1), and JN.1 variants.

RESULTS

Sera from BA.5/XBB breakthrough infections showed significantly reduced neutralization against JN.1 and EG.5.1 (vs. WT). In contrast, recent JN.1 infection induced broad-spectrum neutralization, with cross-protection comparable across variants. Sequential Omicron exposures (e.g., BA.5 → JN.1/XBB) enhanced cross-neutralization versus single infections, notably generating potent, broad antibodies even during acute phases-a previously unreported finding.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneous immune backgrounds necessitate vigilant monitoring of emerging variants, and sequential Omicron exposures confer robust cross-protection that can guide vaccine design and long-term public health strategies-all within a One Health framework that integrates human serosurveillance with animal and environmental monitoring to preempt cross-species transmission and future zoonotic spillover.