Impact of pathogen-reduction technologies on COVID-19 convalescent plasma potency

D Focosi; M Franchini

doi:10.1016/j.tracli.2021.02.005

Impact of pathogen-reduction technologies on COVID-19 convalescent plasma potency

Transfus Clin Biol. 2021 May;28(2):132-134. doi: 10.1016/j.tracli.2021.02.005. Epub 2021 Mar 3.

Authors

D Focosi¹, M Franchini²

Affiliations

¹ North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy. Electronic address: daniele.focosi@gmail.com.
² Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantua, Italy.

Abstract

Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) have been recommended by many regulatory authorities to minimize the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted infections associated with COVID19 convalescent plasma. While its impact on safety and its cost-effectiveness are nowadays well proven, there is theoretical concern that PRT could impact efficacy of convalescent plasma by altering concentration and/or function of the neutralizing antibodies (nAb). We review here the evidence supporting a lack of significant detrimental effect from PRTs on nAbs.

Keywords: COVID-19 convalescent plasma; Efficacy; IgG subclasses; Neutralizing antibodies; Pathogen inactivation; Pathogen reduction technologies.

Publication types

Editorial

MeSH terms

Antibodies, Neutralizing / blood
COVID-19 / blood
COVID-19 / therapy*
COVID-19 Serotherapy
Humans
Immunization, Passive / adverse effects
Infection Control / methods*
Transfusion Reaction / prevention & control*
Treatment Outcome

Substances

Antibodies, Neutralizing