Kinetics of Neutralizing Antibodies of COVID-19 Patients Tested Using Clinical D614G, B.1.1.7, and B 1.351 Isolates in Microneutralization Assays
Jenni Virtanen, Ruut Uusitalo, Essi M. Korhonen, Kirsi Aaltonen, Teemu Smura, Suvi Kuivanen, Sari H. Pakkanen, Sointu Mero, Anu Patjas, Marianna Riekkinen, Anu Kantele, Visa Nurmi, Klaus Hedman, Jussi Hepojoki, Tarja Sironen, Eili Huhtamo, Olli Vapalahti
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that some newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoCs) resist neutralization by antibodies elicited by the early-pandemic wild-type virus. We applied neutralization tests to paired recoveree sera (n = 38) using clinical isolates representing the first wave (D614G), VoC1, and VoC2 lineages (B.1.1.7 and B 1.351). Neutralizing antibodies inhibited contemporary and VoC1 lineages, whereas inhibition of VoC2 was reduced 8-fold, with 50% of sera failing to show neutralization. These results provide evidence for the increased potential of VoC2 to reinfect previously SARS-CoV-infected individuals. The kinetics of NAbs in different patients showed similar decline against all variants, with generally low initial anti-B.1.351 responses becoming undetectable, but with anti-B.1.1.7 NAbs remaining detectable (>20) for months after acute infection.