Mucosal memory T cells in breastmilk are modulated by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination

Abstract

AbstractWe compared the phenotype, diversity, and antigen specificity of T cells in the breastmilk and peripheral blood of lactating individuals who received SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination. Relative to blood, breastmilk contained higher frequencies of T effector and central memory populations that expressed mucosal-homing markers. T cell receptor (TCR) sequence overlap was limited between blood and breastmilk. Overabundant breastmilk clones were observed in all individuals, were structurally diverse, and contained CDR3 sequences with known epitope specificity including to SARS-CoV-2 Spike. Spike-specific TCRs were more frequent in breastmilk compared to blood and expanded in breastmilk following a third mRNA vaccine dose. Our observations indicate that the lactating breast contains a distinct T cell population that can be modulated by maternal vaccination with potential implications for infant passive protection.SummaryThe breastmilk T cell repertoire is distinct and enriched for SARS-CoV-2 Spike-specificity after maternal mRNA vaccination.