Neutralizing antibody evasion of SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 derivatives KP.3, KP.3.1.1, LB.1, and XEC

Abstract

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants poses ongoing challenges to vaccine efficacy. We evaluated neutralizing antibody responses against JN.1 and its derivatives (KP.3, KP.3.1.1, LB.1, and XEC) in healthcare workers who received seven doses of BNT162b2, including the XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccine. In COVID-19-naïve individuals, KP.3.1.1 and LB.1 showed substantial immune escape, whereas previously infected individuals maintained neutralization activity against all variants. We also demonstrated that JN.1-based immunization induces robust cross-neutralizing activity against emerging variants. A single amino acid deletion at position 31 in the spike protein may be associated with enhanced immune evasion. These findings support the potential effectiveness of JN.1-based vaccines while highlighting the need for continued surveillance and vaccine optimization.