Preclinical immunogenicity of the LP.8.1-adapted BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine
SARS-CoV-2 evolution toward antigenically distinct lineages drives escape from host immunity. JN.1 lineage derivatives have recently dominated the global epidemiologic landscape. In preclinical models, an LP.8.1-adapted BNT162b2 vaccine elicited higher serum neutralizing antibody responses against contemporary, circulating JN.1 sublineages, including the currently dominant XFG, as compared to JN.1-, KP.2- and XEC-adapted vaccines. These findings supported the selection of an LP.8.1-adapted vaccine for the composition of the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine formula.
immunology↗