Abstract
Background: The effect of initial immunosuppressive therapy on the kinetics of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced humoral response is unknown. Here, we compared the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced humoral response in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KTRs) and compared to patients remaining on dialysis during the Omicron circulation. Methods: This prospective, non-randomized, real-world study included 113 KTRs and 108 patients on dialysis. Those with previous COVID-19 or negative IgG at screening were excluded. Blood samples were collected to assess SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers and neutralizing antibodies at months (M) 1, 3, 6, and 12. Results: Seroreversion occurred in one KTR and in three patients on dialysis. KTRs had lower IgG titers over time (M1: 10,809.3 ± 12,621.7 vs. 15,267.8 ± 16,096.2 AU/mL; M3: 12,215.5 ± 12,885.8 vs. 15,016.2 ± 15,346.1 AU/mL; M6: 12,540.4 ± 13,010.7 vs. 18,503.5 ± 14,581.0 AU/mL; p = 0.005), but neutralizing antibodies were similar (M1: 94.0 vs. 90.3%; M3: 92.9 vs. 90.5%; M6: 99.0 vs. 95.5%; M12: 98.9 vs. 97.5%; p = 0.812). During follow-up, KTRs received more vaccines (141 vs. 73; p < 0.001) and contracted more COVID-19 (32.7% vs. 14.8%; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Compared to patients on dialysis, KTRs had lower SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers and similar rates of seroreversion and neutralizing antibodies over time. Although KTRs received more boosters, they had a higher incidence of COVID-19.