Systematic profiling of SARS-CoV-2 structural protein-specific T cell epitopes in Omicron infections following inactivated vaccination

iScience 2026 Open access

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Authors: Zhiqing Li, Mengmeng Cui, Jian Wu, Tianju Hu, Junyan Dan, Xiaosu Chen, Qicong Shen, Jin ping Hou, Zhongfang Wang, Yizhi Yu, Shuxun Liu
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.114891
Cited by: 1
References: 40

Abstract

T cells were initially primed by IV. Longitudinal analysis revealed epitope-specific temporal dynamics in SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immunity, with certain subsets declining over 10 months post-infection. While XBB.1.5 and BA.2.86 subvariant-harboring mutations partially evaded T cell immunity, a conservative HLA-DRB1∗09:01-restricted epitope was identified across ancestral and Omicron strains. These findings delineate regionally prevalent HLA-associated immunodominant epitope frameworks and highlight pan-variant epitope candidates for vaccine development and T cell immunity monitoring.

Fields of Study & Subjects

SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research vaccines and immunoinformatics approaches COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
iScience
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
29
Issue
3
Pages
114891–114891
Publication date
4 February 2026
Language
EN