Is Cross-Reactive Immunity Triggering COVID-19 Immunopathogenesis?

Front Immunol. 2020 Oct 15:11:567710. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.567710. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

The serological responses to both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 virus have some unique characteristics that suggest cross-reactive priming by other human coronaviruses (hCoVs). The early kinetics and magnitude of these responses are, in some cases, associated with worse clinical outcomes in SARS and COVID-19. Cross-reactive hCoV antibody responses have been detected in both SARS and COVID-19 patients. There is also evidence that pre-existing T cell immunity to common cold coronaviruses can prime the response to SARS-CoV-2. Studies in non-human primates show that SARS-CoV-1 S-protein vaccine-induced antibodies are associated with acute lung injury in macaques challenged with SARS-CoV-1. Here we discuss the potential of cross-reactive immunity to drive the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 and its implications for current efforts to develop immune-based therapies and vaccines.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antibody-dependent enhancement; cross-reactivity; human coronaviruses; immunopathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Antibody-Dependent Enhancement
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Cross Reactions
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / immunology*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / therapy
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / virology
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / immunology*
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Viral Vaccines