One of the leading programs for a new coronavirus vaccine was championed today as investigators from Oxford and AstraZeneca spelled out a dual hit with neutralizing antibodies as well as a surge in specific T cells targeted against the virus.

According to the study:

Humoral responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein peaked by day 28 postprime and cellular responses were induced in all participants byday 14. Neutralising antibodies were induced in all participants after a second vaccine dose. After two doses, potent cellular and humoral immunogenicity was present in all participants studied.

The results largely confirm what was already previewed: One dose was sufficient to elicit some antibody response in over 90% of people, and a second dose pushed it to 100%, at levels similar to whats observed in convalescent patients. Spike-specific effectors T cells were observed as early as day 7, peaking at day 14 and maintained up to day 56 as expected with adenoviral vectors.

In a media briefing, AstraZeneca biopharma R&D head Mene Pangalos noted that the ongoing Phase III trials will almost certainly be testing two doses, as it would be the safest approach to making sure we hit efficacy. Lower doses can then be worked out in the future.

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