scholarly journals Longitudinal evaluation and decline of antibody responses in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Author(s):  
Jeffrey Seow ◽  
Carl Graham ◽  
Blair Merrick ◽  
Sam Acors ◽  
Kathryn J.A. Steel ◽  
...  

Antibody (Ab) responses to SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in most infected individuals 10-15 days following the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. However, due to the recent emergence of this virus in the human population it is not yet known how long these Ab responses will be maintained or whether they will provide protection from re-infection. Using sequential serum samples collected up to 94 days post onset of symptoms (POS) from 65 RT-qPCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals, we show seroconversion in >95% of cases and neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses when sampled beyond 8 days POS. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the nAb response is dependent upon the disease severity, but this does not affect the kinetics of the nAb response. Declining nAb titres were observed during the follow up period. Whilst some individuals with high peak ID50 (>10,000) maintained titres >1,000 at >60 days POS, some with lower peak ID50 had titres approaching baseline within the follow up period. A similar decline in nAb titres was also observed in a cohort of seropositive healthcare workers from Guy′s and St Thomas′ Hospitals. We suggest that this transient nAb response is a feature shared by both a SARS-CoV-2 infection that causes low disease severity and the circulating seasonal coronaviruses that are associated with common colds. This study has important implications when considering widespread serological testing, Ab protection against re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the durability of vaccine protection.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Lucas ◽  
Jon Klein ◽  
Maria Sundaram ◽  
Feimei Liu ◽  
Patrick Wong ◽  
...  

SummaryRecent studies have provided insights into innate and adaptive immune dynamics in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Yet, the exact feature of antibody responses that governs COVID-19 disease outcomes remain unclear. Here, we analysed humoral immune responses in 209 asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 patients over time to probe the nature of antibody responses in disease severity and mortality. We observed a correlation between anti-Spike (S) IgG levels, length of hospitalization and clinical parameters associated with worse clinical progression. While high anti-S IgG levels correlated with worse disease severity, such correlation was time-dependent. Deceased patients did not have higher overall humoral response than live discharged patients. However, they mounted a robust, yet delayed response, measured by anti-S, anti-RBD IgG, and neutralizing antibody (NAb) levels, compared to survivors. Delayed seroconversion kinetics correlated with impaired viral control in deceased patients. Finally, while sera from 89% of patients displayed some neutralization capacity during their disease course, NAb generation prior to 14 days of disease onset emerged as a key factor for recovery. These data indicate that COVID-19 mortality does not correlate with the cross-sectional antiviral antibody levels per se, but rather with the delayed kinetics of NAb production.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Minghui Yang ◽  
Yun Peng ◽  
Yanhua Liang ◽  
Jinli Wei ◽  
...  

Elucidation the kinetics of neutralizing antibody response in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescents is crucial for the future control of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination strategies. Here we tested 411 sequential plasma samples collected up to 480 days post symptoms onset (d.a.o) from 214 convalescents of COVID-19 across clinical spectrum without re-exposure history after recovery and vaccination of SARS-CoV-2, using authentic SARS-CoV-2 microneutralization (MN) assays. COVID-19 convalescents free of re-exposure and vaccination could maintain relatively stable anti-RBD IgG and MN titers during 400~480 d.a.o after the peak at around 120 d.a.o and the subsequent decrease. Undetectable neutralizing activity started to occur in mild and asymptomatic infections during 330 to 480 d.a.o with an overall rate of 14.29% and up to 50% for the asymptomatic infections. Significant decline in MN titers was found in 91.67% COVID-19 convalescents with ≥ 50% decrease in MN titers when comparing the available peak and current MN titers (≥ 300 d.a.o). Antibody-dependent immunity could also provide protection against most of circulating variants after one year, while significantly decreased neutralizing activities against the Beta, Delta and Lambda variants were found in most of individuals. In summary, our results indicated that neutralizing antibody responses could last at least 480 days in most COVID-19 convalescents despite of the obvious decline of neutralizing activity, while the up to 50% undetectable neutralizing activity in the asymptomatic infections is of great concern.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Trinité ◽  
Ferran Tarrés-Freixas ◽  
Jordi Rodon ◽  
Edwards Pradenas ◽  
Víctor Urrea ◽  
...  

AbstractThe protective effect of neutralizing antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals is not yet well defined. To address this issue, we have analyzed the kinetics of neutralizing antibody responses and their association with disease severity. Between March and May 2020, the prospective KING study enrolled 72 COVID-19+ participants grouped according to disease severity. SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed by serological and virological tests. Plasma neutralizing responses were assessed against replicative virus and pseudoviral particles. Multiple regression and non-parametric tests were used to analyze dependence of parameters. The magnitude of neutralizing titers significantly increased with disease severity. Hospitalized individuals developed higher titers compared to mild-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, which together showed titers below the detection limit in 50% of cases. Longitudinal analysis confirmed the strong differences in neutralizing titers between non-hospitalized and hospitalized participants and showed rapid kinetics of appearance of neutralizing antibodies (50% and 80% of maximal activity reached after 11 and 17 days after symptoms onset, respectively) in hospitalized patients. No significant impact of age, gender or treatment on the neutralizing titers was observed in this limited cohort. These data identify a clear association of humoral immunity with disease severity and point to immune mechanisms other than antibodies as relevant players in COVID-19 protection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesta Cavalcanti ◽  
Maria Antonietta Isgrò ◽  
Domenica Rea ◽  
Lucia Di Capua ◽  
Giusy Trillò ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have spread to millions of people globally, requiring the development of billions of different vaccine doses. The SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine (named BNT162b2/Pfizer), authorized by the FDA, has shown high efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection after administration of two doses in individuals 16 years of age and older. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the differences in the SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response after vaccine administration in the two different cohorts of workers at the INT - IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale” Cancer Center (Naples, Italy): previously infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects and not infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects. Methods We determined specific anti-RBD (receptor-binding domain) titers against trimeric spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 by Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay in serum samples of 35 healthcare workers with a previous documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 158 healthcare workers without, after 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Moreover, geometric mean titers and relative fold changes (FC) were calculated. Results Both previously infected and not infected to SARS-CoV-2 subjects developed significant immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 after the administration of 1 and 2 doses of vaccine, respectively. Anti-S antibody responses to the first dose of vaccine were significantly higher in previously SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects in comparison to titers of not infected subjects after the first as well as the second dose of vaccine. Fold changes for subjects previously infected to SARS-CoV-2 was very modest, given the high basal antibody titer, as well as the upper limit of 2500.0 BAU/mL imposed by the Roche methods. Conversely, for naïve subjects, mean fold change following the first dose was low ($$ \overline{x} $$ x ¯ =1.6), reaching 3.8 FC in 72 subjects (45.6%) following the second dose. Conclusions The results showed that, as early as the first dose, SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals developed a remarkable and statistically significant immune response in comparison to those who did not contract the virus previously, suggesting the possibility of administering only one dose in previously SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects. FC for previously infected subjects should not be taken into account for the generally high pre-vaccination values. Conversely, FC for not infected subjects, after the second dose, were = 3.8 in > 45.0% of vaccinees, and ≤ 3.1 in 19.0%, the latter showing a potential susceptibility to further SARS-CoV-2 infection.


Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Stefania Dispinseri ◽  
Mariangela Cavarelli ◽  
Monica Tolazzi ◽  
Anna Maria Plebani ◽  
Marianne Jansson ◽  
...  

The antibodies with different effector functions evoked by Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmitted from mother to child, and their role in the pathogenesis of infected children remain unresolved. So, too, the kinetics and breadth of these responses remain to be clearly defined, compared to those developing in adults. Here, we studied the kinetics of the autologous and heterologous neutralizing antibody (Nab) responses, in addition to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), in HIV-1 infected children with different disease progression rates followed from close after birth and five years on. Autologous and heterologous neutralization were determined by Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)- and TZMbl-based assays, and ADCC was assessed with the GranToxiLux assay. The reactivity to an immunodominant HIV-1 gp41 epitope, and childhood vaccine antigens, was assessed by ELISA. Newborns displayed antibodies directed towards the HIV-1 gp41 epitope. However, antibodies neutralizing the transmitted virus were undetectable. Nabs directed against the transmitted virus developed usually within 12 months of age in children with slow progression, but rarely in rapid progressors. Thereafter, autologous Nabs persisted throughout the follow-up of the slow progressors and induced a continuous emergence of escape variants. Heterologous cross-Nabs were detected within two years, but their subsequent increase in potency and breadth was mainly a trait of slow progressors. Analogously, titers of antibodies mediating ADCC to gp120 BaL pulsed target cells increased in slow progressors during follow-up. The kinetics of antibody responses to the immunodominant viral antigen and the vaccine antigens were sustained and independent of disease progression. Persistent autologous Nabs triggering viral escape and an increase in the breadth and potency of cross-Nabs are exclusive to HIV-1 infected slowly progressing children.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Sheward ◽  
Changil Kim ◽  
Roy A. Ehling ◽  
Alec Pankow ◽  
Xaquin Castro Dopico ◽  
...  

The recently-emerged SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 variant (Omicron) is spreading rapidly in many countries, with a spike that is highly diverged from the pandemic founder, raising fears that it may evade neutralizing antibody responses. We cloned the Omicron spike from a diagnostic sample which allowed us to rapidly establish an Omicron pseudotyped virus neutralization assay, sharing initial neutralization results only 13 days after the variant was first reported to the WHO, 8 days after receiving the sample. Here we show that Omicron is substantially resistant to neutralization by several monoclonal antibodies that form part of clinical cocktails. Further, we find neutralizing antibody responses in pooled reference sera sampled shortly after infection or vaccination are substantially less potent against Omicron, with neutralizing antibody titers reduced by up to 45 fold compared to those for the pandemic founder. Similarly, in a cohort of convalescent sera prior to vaccination, neutralization of Omicron was low to undetectable. However, in recent samples from two cohorts from Stockholm, Sweden, antibody responses capable of cross-neutralizing Omicron were prevalent. Sera from infected-then-vaccinated healthcare workers exhibited robust cross-neutralization of Omicron, with an average potency reduction of only 5-fold relative to the pandemic founder variant, and some donors showing no loss at all. A similar pattern was observed in randomly sampled recent blood donors, with an average 7-fold loss of potency. Both cohorts showed substantial between-donor heterogeneity in their ability to neutralize Omicron. Together, these data highlight the extensive but incomplete evasion of neutralizing antibody responses by the Omicron variant, and suggest that increasing the magnitude of neutralizing antibody responses by boosting with unmodified vaccines may suffice to raise titers to levels that are protective.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkata-Viswanadh Edara ◽  
Lilin Lai ◽  
Malaya Sahoo ◽  
Katharine Floyd ◽  
Mamdouh Sibai ◽  
...  

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a devastating global pandemic. The recent emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants that are less sensitive to neutralization by convalescent sera or vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody responses has raised concerns. A second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in India is leading to the expansion of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The B.1.617.1 variant has rapidly spread throughout India and to several countries throughout the world. In this study, using a live virus assay, we describe the neutralizing antibody response to the B.1.617.1 variant in serum from infected and vaccinated individuals. We found that the B.1.617.1 variant is 6.8-fold more resistant to neutralization by sera from COVID-19 convalescent and Moderna and Pfizer vaccinated individuals. Despite this, a majority of the sera from convalescent individuals and all sera from vaccinated individuals were still able to neutralize the B.1.617.1 variant. This suggests that protective immunity by the mRNA vaccines tested here are likely retained against the B.1.617.1 variant. As the B.1.617.1 variant continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how additional mutations within the spike impact antibody resistance, viral transmission and vaccine efficacy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wataru Ogura ◽  
Kouki Ohtsuka ◽  
Sachiko Matsuura ◽  
Takahiro Okuyama ◽  
Satsuki Matsushima ◽  
...  

Objective In Japan, healthcare workers (HCWs) are vaccinated against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other contagious viruses (measles, rubella, chickenpox, mumps, and hepatitis B) to prevent nosocomial infection. However, some do not produce sufficient antibodies after vaccination (low responders). This study investigated changes in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody levels among HCWs after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and assessed whether low responders produced adequate SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike and neutralizing antibodies. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of HCWs before and after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in a hospital in Tokyo, Japan. The HCWs received two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine, 3 weeks apart. Those whose antibody levels against previous antiviral vaccines did not reach protective antibody levels after receiving two doses were defined as low responders, whereas those who produced adequate antibodies were defined as normal responders. SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibodies were measured 11 times from before the first BNT162b2 vaccination to 5 months after the second vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody activity was measured twice in low responders, 1 week to 1 month and 5 months after the second vaccination. Results Fifty HCWs were included in the analytic cohort. After vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibody was detectable in the samples from both responders at each timepoint, but the level was lower at 5 months than at 1 week after the second vaccination. Low responders had SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody activity 1 week to 1 month after the second vaccination, which exceeded the positive threshold after 5 months. Conclusion After BNT162b2 vaccination, low responders acquired adequate SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies to prevent SARS-CoV-2. However, SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibody levels were lower at 5 months than at 1 week after the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine in low and normal responders. Therefore, low responders should also receive a third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 1694-1700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa H. Tostanoski ◽  
Frank Wegmann ◽  
Amanda J. Martinot ◽  
Carolin Loos ◽  
Katherine McMahan ◽  
...  

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in humans is often a clinically mild illness, but some individuals develop severe pneumonia, respiratory failure and death1–4. Studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in hamsters5–7 and nonhuman primates8–10 have generally reported mild clinical disease, and preclinical SARS-CoV-2 vaccine studies have demonstrated reduction of viral replication in the upper and lower respiratory tracts in nonhuman primates11–13. Here we show that high-dose intranasal SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters results in severe clinical disease, including high levels of virus replication in tissues, extensive pneumonia, weight loss and mortality in a subset of animals. A single immunization with an adenovirus serotype 26 vector-based vaccine expressing a stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike protein elicited binding and neutralizing antibody responses and protected against SARS-CoV-2-induced weight loss, pneumonia and mortality. These data demonstrate vaccine protection against SARS-CoV-2 clinical disease. This model should prove useful for preclinical studies of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, therapeutics and pathogenesis.


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