SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies: Longevity, Breadth, and Evasion by Emerging Viral Variants

Overview

Journal PLoS Med

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2021 Jul 6

PMID 34228725

Citations 78

Authors

Fiona Tea

Alberto Ospina Stella

Anupriya Aggarwal

David Ross Darley

Deepti Pilli

Daniele Vitale

Vera Merheb

Fiona X Z Lee

Philip Cunningham

Gregory J Walker

Christina Fichter

David A Brown

William D Rawlinson

Sonia R Isaacs

Vennila Mathivanan

Markus Hoffmann

Stefan Pohlman

Ohan Mazigi

Daniel Christ

Dominic E Dwyer

Rebecca J Rockett

Vitali Sintchenko

Veronica C Hoad

David O Irving

Gregory J Dore

Iain B Gosbell

Anthony D Kelleher

Gail V Matthews

Fabienne Brilot

Stuart G Turville

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody neutralization response and its evasion by emerging viral variants and variant of concern (VOC) are unknown, but critical to understand reinfection risk and breakthrough infection following vaccination. Antibody immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 antigens and Spike variants, inhibition of Spike-driven virus-cell fusion, and infectious SARS-CoV-2 neutralization were characterized in 807 serial samples from 233 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) individuals with detailed demographics and followed up to 7 months. A broad and sustained polyantigenic immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 Spike, Membrane, and Nucleocapsid proteins, along with high viral neutralization, was associated with COVID-19 severity. A subgroup of "high responders" maintained high neutralizing responses over time, representing ideal convalescent plasma donors. Antibodies generated against SARS-CoV-2 during the first COVID-19 wave had reduced immunoreactivity and neutralization potency to emerging Spike variants and VOC. Accurate monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses would be essential for selection of optimal responders and vaccine monitoring and design.

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