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. Gene expression profiles of blood samples from subjects vaccinated volunters with Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo (EBOVAC trial)