CAMBRIDGE — Researchers at the University of Cambridge published findings in the journal npj Vaccines on July 1, 2026, indicating that antibodies from older UK adults effectively neutralized bat and pangolin sarbecoviruses. The study involved blood samples from individuals with an average age of approximately 69, who had received four COVID-19 vaccine doses and a recent bivalent booster.

The bivalent booster contained components targeting both the original Wuhan strain and the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Antibodies in the analyzed blood samples demonstrated more effective neutralization against two sarbecoviruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2, one originating from bats and another from pangolins, than they did against the original Wuhan strain. These bat and pangolin viruses are genetically close to SARS-CoV-2 and are capable of entering human cells.

Conversely, the antibodies in the study samples were less effective at neutralizing newer Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 when compared to their effectiveness against the original Wuhan strain. Additionally, the study found that the antibodies showed poor neutralization against SARS-CoV-1, the virus responsible for the 2003 SARS outbreak.

Grace West, a joint first author from the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease, said: "We'd expect the COVID vaccine to offer protection against today's variants, but we were surprised to find that it also provides protection against some animal coronaviruses with future pandemic potential."

Rebecca Morse, also a joint first author from the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease, said: "We may already have a head start when it comes to protecting against certain future outbreaks. Boosters could reduce both severity and spread if spillover were to occur, buying us vital time while we develop a more targeted vaccine. This will be particularly important for older and vulnerable populations, who are usually hardest hit in new pandemics."

The research received funding from multiple organizations. These included Wellcome, the Medical Research Council, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the National Institute for Health and Care Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, and Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust.