Open AccessEvidence and implications of pre‐existing humoral cross‐reactive immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2
Author(s) -
Mveang Nzoghe Amandine,
Essone Paulin N.,
Leboueny Marielle,
Maloupazoa Siawaya Anicet Christel,
Bongho Eliode Cyrien,
Mvoundza Ndjindji Ofilia,
Avome Houechenou Rotimi Myrabelle,
Agnandji Selidji Todagbe,
Djoba Siawaya Joel Fleury
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
immunity, inflammation and disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2050-4527
DOI - 10.1002/iid3.367
Subject(s) - immunology , serology , antigen , pandemic , covid-19 , antibody , cross reactivity , medicine , virology , immunity , coronavirus , severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus , humoral immunity , disease , cross reactions , immune system , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has emerged throughout the world. Building knowledge around Covid‐19 is crucial to devise facts based approaches to respond efficiently against this pandemic. Aim We aimed to investigate pre‐existing humoral cross‐reactive immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2. Method We have tested the reactivity against SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid (N) antigen of sera collected from healthy healthcare volunteers in 2014. We assessed immunoglobulins reactive against SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐antigen using a well‐validated serological platform; Elecsys assay. Results Sera from 32 subjects (out of 135 [23.7%]) were reactive to SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐antigen, suggesting the presence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐antigen antibodies. Conclusion Although the clinical relevance of the observed reactivity can only be speculated and needs to be investigated, the implication of this finding for coronavirus disease 2019 seroepidemiological survey and vaccines' clinical trials is critical.