Rapid decline of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among infected healthcare workers

Nat Commun. 2021 Feb 8;12(1):844. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21111-9.

Abstract

There are only few data concerning persistence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) among SARS-CoV-2-infected healthcare workers (HCW). These individuals are particularly exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and at potential risk of reinfection. We followed 26 HCW with mild COVID-19 three weeks (D21), two months (M2) and three months (M3) after the onset of symptoms. All the HCW had anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) IgA at D21, decreasing to 38.5% at M3 (p < 0.0001). Concomitantly a significant decrease in NAb titers was observed between D21 and M2 (p = 0.03) and between D21 and M3 (p < 0.0001). Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 can elicit a NAb response correlated with anti-RBD antibody levels. However, this neutralizing activity declines, and may even be lost, in association with a decrease in systemic IgA antibody levels, from two months after disease onset. This short-lasting humoral protection supports strong recommendations to maintain infection prevention and control measures in HCW, and suggests that periodic boosts of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may be required.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Binding Sites / immunology
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / immunology
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / metabolism
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Receptors, Virus
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2