B cell receptor repertoire analysis of individual vaccinated with BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine

Summary

The development of messenger RNA (mRNA) based COVID-19 vaccines represented a hallmark for biotechnology and medicine. The mRNA vaccines can use human cells to produce the desired virus protein that is recognized by our immune defense cells. As one of the results, millions of antibody molecules are produced, helping us fight off the infection by inhibiting the virus. The main purpose, of the Laboratory of Bioinformatics, at the University of Brasília, is to study the properties and dynamics of antibody responses in individuals before and after an mRNA vaccination through a technology/approach called repertoire sequencing. We expect to better understand how mRNA vaccines induce antibody responses, in the COVID-19 vaccination context, while also aiming for safer and more efficient mRNA-based vaccines soon. Also, we expect to identify new antibodies with potential therapeutic properties as well.