Changes in Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Subclasses over Time and in Association with Disease Severity
Zoia R. Korobova, Е. В. Зуева, N. A. Аrsentieva, O. K. Batsunov, N. E. Liubimova, I. V. Khamitova, R. N. Kuznetsova, Artem Rubinstein, Tikhon V. Savin, Oksana V. Stanevich, А. Н. Куликов, D. E. Pevtsov, Арег А. Тотолян
Abstract
IgG is the most prominent marker of post-COVID-19 immunity. Not only does this subtype mark the late stages of infection, but it also stays in the body for a timespan of at least 6 months. However, different IgG subclasses have different properties, and their roles in specific anti-COVID-19 responses have yet to be determined. We assessed the concentrations of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 against different SARS-CoV-2 antigens (N protein, S protein RBD) using a specifically designed method and samples from 348 COVID-19 patients. We noted a statistically significant association between severity of COVID-19 infection and IgG concentrations (both total and subclasses). When assessing anti-N protein and anti-RBD IgG subclasses, we noted the importance of IgG3 as a subclass. Since it is often associated with early antiviral response, we presumed that the IgG3 subclass is the first high-affinity IgG antibody to be produced during COVID-19 infection.