Preexisting and de novo humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in humans

KW Ng, N Faulkner, GH Cornish, A Rosa, R Harvey… - Science, 2020 - science.org
KW Ng, N Faulkner, GH Cornish, A Rosa, R Harvey, S Hussain, R Ulferts, C Earl, AG Wrobel
Science, 2020science.org
Zoonotic introduction of novel coronaviruses may encounter preexisting immunity in
humans. Using diverse assays for antibodies recognizing SARS-CoV-2 proteins, we
detected preexisting humoral immunity. SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S)–reactive
antibodies were detectable using a flow cytometry–based method in SARS-CoV-2–
uninfected individuals and were particularly prevalent in children and adolescents. They
were predominantly of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class and targeted the S2 subunit. By …
Zoonotic introduction of novel coronaviruses may encounter preexisting immunity in humans. Using diverse assays for antibodies recognizing SARS-CoV-2 proteins, we detected preexisting humoral immunity. SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S)–reactive antibodies were detectable using a flow cytometry–based method in SARS-CoV-2–uninfected individuals and were particularly prevalent in children and adolescents. They were predominantly of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) class and targeted the S2 subunit. By contrast, SARS-CoV-2 infection induced higher titers of SARS-CoV-2 S–reactive IgG antibodies targeting both the S1 and S2 subunits, and concomitant IgM and IgA antibodies, lasting throughout the observation period. SARS-CoV-2–uninfected donor sera exhibited specific neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2 S pseudotypes. Distinguishing preexisting and de novo immunity will be critical for our understanding of susceptibility to and the natural course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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