[HTML][HTML] Presence of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 plasma

FY Tso, SJ Lidenge, LK Poppe, PB Peña, SR Privatt… - PLoS …, 2021 - journals.plos.org
FY Tso, SJ Lidenge, LK Poppe, PB Peña, SR Privatt, SJ Bennett, JR Ngowi, J Mwaiselage…
PLoS One, 2021journals.plos.org
Background Neutralizing-antibody (nAb) is the major focus of most ongoing COVID-19
vaccine trials. However, nAb response against SARS-CoV-2, when present, decays rapidly.
Given the myriad roles of antibodies in immune responses, it is possible that antibodies
could also mediate protection against SARS-CoV-2 via effector mechanisms such as
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), which we sought to explore here. Methods
Plasma of 3 uninfected controls and 20 subjects exposed to, or recovering from, SARS-CoV …
Background
Neutralizing-antibody (nAb) is the major focus of most ongoing COVID-19 vaccine trials. However, nAb response against SARS-CoV-2, when present, decays rapidly. Given the myriad roles of antibodies in immune responses, it is possible that antibodies could also mediate protection against SARS-CoV-2 via effector mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), which we sought to explore here.
Methods
Plasma of 3 uninfected controls and 20 subjects exposed to, or recovering from, SARS-CoV-2 infection were collected from U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies in the plasma samples. SARS-CoV-2 specific neutralizing capability of these plasmas was assessed with SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudotyped virus. ADCC activity was assessed with a calcein release assay.
Results
SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies were detected in all COVID-19 subjects studied. All but three COVID-19 subjects contained nAb at high potency (>80% neutralization). Plasma from 19/20 of COVID-19 subjects also demonstrated strong ADCC activity against SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, including two individuals without nAb against SARS-CoV-2.
Conclusion
Both neutralizing and non-neutralizing COVID-19 plasmas can mediate ADCC. Our findings argue that evaluation of potential vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 should include investigation of the magnitude and durability of ADCC, in addition to nAb.
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