Robust neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 infection persist for months
Ania Wajnberg, Fatima Amanat, Adolfo Firpo, Deena R. Altman, Mark Bailey, Mayce Mansour, Meagan McMahon, Philip Meade, Damodara Rao Mendu, Kimberly Muellers, Daniel Stadlbauer, Kimberly Stone, Shirin Strohmeier, Viviana Simon, Judith A. Aberg, David L. Reich, Florian Krammer, Carlos Cordon‐Cardo
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic with millions infected and more than 1 million fatalities. Questions regarding the robustness, functionality, and longevity of the antibody response to the virus remain unanswered. Here, on the basis of a dataset of 30,082 individuals screened at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, we report that the vast majority of infected individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 experience robust immunoglobulin G antibody responses against the viral spike protein. We also show that titers are relatively stable for at least a period of about 5 months and that anti-spike binding titers significantly correlate with neutralization of authentic SARS-CoV-2. Our data suggest that more than 90% of seroconverters make detectable neutralizing antibody responses. These titers remain relatively stable for several months after infection.