Identification of early gene expression profiles governing long-lasting antibody responses to the Ebola vaccine Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo

Ebolavirus disease (EVD) is a severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. In this study, we comprehensively investigated transcriptome profiles at 0, 3 hours, 1 and 7 days after vaccination with Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo. Three hours after Ad26.ZEBOV injection, we observed an increase in gene abundance related to antigen presentation, sensing, and T- and B-cell receptors. The highest response occurred one day after Ad26.ZEBOV injection, with an increase in the expression of genes for interferon-induced antiviral molecules, monocyte activation, and sensing receptors. This response was mainly shaped by the HESX1, ATF3, ANKRD22, and ETV7 transcription factors. A plasma-cell signature was observed on day 7 post-Ad26.ZEBOV vaccination, with an increase of the abundance of CD138, MZB1, CD38, and CD79A, as well as that of immunoglobulin genes. Importantly, we identified early-expressed genes correlated with the magnitude of the antibody response 21 days after the MVA-BN-Filo and 364 days after Ad26.ZEBOV vaccinations. Our results provide early gene signatures that characterize an effective vaccine antibody response against Ebola. Overall design: Gene expression profiles of blood samples from subjects vaccinated volunters with Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo (EBOVAC trial)