Post-pandemic memory T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 is durable, broadly targeted, and cross-reactive to the hypermutated BA.2.86 variant

Ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolution has given rise to recombinant Omicron lineages that dominate globally (XBB.1), as well as the emergence of hypermutated variants (BA.2.86). In this context, durable and cross -reactive T cell immune memory is critical for continued protection against severe COVID-19. We examined T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 approximately 1.5 years since Omicron first emerged. We describe sustained CD4+ and CD8+ spike -specific T cell memory responses in healthcare workers in South Africa (n = 39) who were vaccinated and experienced at least one SARS-CoV2 infection. Spike -specific T cells are highly cross -reactive with all Omicron variants tested, including BA.2.86. Abundant nucleocapsid and membrane -specific T cells are detectable in most participants. The bulk of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses have an early -differentiated phenotype, explaining their persistent nature. Overall, hybrid immunity leads to the accumulation of spike and non -spike T cells evident 3.5 years after the start of the pandemic, with preserved recognition of highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants.