Open AccessAntibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 proteins N, S and E in COVID-19 patients in the normal population and in historical samples
Author(s) -
Aleksander Szymczak,
Natalia Jędruchniewicz,
Alessandro Torelli,
Agata Kaczmarzyk-Radka,
Rosa Coluccio,
Marlena Kłak,
Andrzej Konieczny,
Stanisław Ferenc,
Wojciech Witkiewicz,
Emanuele Montomoli,
Paulina Miernikiewicz,
Remigiusz Bąchor,
Krystyna Dąbrowska
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of general virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.55
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1465-2099
pISSN - 0022-1317
DOI - 10.1099/jgv.0.001692
Subject(s) - antibody , virology , coronavirus , virus , biology , pandemic , immune system , immunology , covid-19 , immunoglobulin g , population , disease , medicine , infectious disease (medical specialty) , environmental health
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally; recognition of immune responses to this virus will be crucial for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control, prevention and treatment. We comprehensively analysed IgG and IgA antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N), spike protein domain 1 (S1) and envelope protein (E) in: SARS-CoV-2-infected patient, healthy, historical and pre-epidemic samples, including patients' medical, epidemiological and diagnostic data, virus-neutralizing capability and kinetics. N-specific IgG and IgA are the most reliable diagnostic targets for infection. Serum IgG levels correlate to IgA levels. Half a year after infection, anti-N and anti-S1 IgG decreased, but sera preserved virus-inhibitory potency; thus, testing for IgG may underestimate the protective potential of antibodies. Historical and pre-epidemic sera did not inhibit SARS-CoV-2, thus its circulation before the pandemic and a protective role from antibodies pre-induced by other coronaviruses cannot be confirmed by this study.