Kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 Specific and Neutralizing Antibodies over Seven Months after Symptom Onset in COVID-19 Patients
Liguo Zhu, Xin Xu, Baoli Zhu, Xiling Guo, Ke Xu, Ci Song, Jianguang Fu, Huiyan Yu, Xiaoxiao Kong, Jiefu Peng, Haodi Huang, Xin Zou, Yuqing Ding, Changjun Bao, Fengcai Zhu, Zhibin Hu, Ming Wu, Hongbing Shen
Abstract
The long-term characteristics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among COVID-19 patients remain largely unclear. Tracking the longevity of these antibodies can provide a forward-looking reference for monitoring COVID-19. We conducted a comprehensive assessment combining the kinetics of specific and neutralizing antibodies over 7 months with age and disease severity and revealed influencing factors of the protection period of convalescent patients. By observing the long-term antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 and comparing antibody levels at two time points after symptom onset, we found that the convalescent COVID-19 patients continued to have a high IgG seropositive rate; however, their plasma samples decreased neutralizing activity. These findings provide evidence supporting that the neutralizing activity of SARS-CoV-2-infected persons should be monitored and the administration of vaccine may be needed.