Clinical Pathology - Research Publications

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Type: Preprint × Author: Drummer, Heidi ×

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    Rapid and lasting generation of B-cell memory to SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins in COVID-19 disease and convalescence
    Hartley, G ; Edwards, ESJ ; Aui, P ; Varese, N ; Stojanovic, S ; McMahon, J ; Peleg, A ; Boo, I ; Drummer, H ; Hogarth, M ; O’Hehir, R ; van Zelm, M ( 2020)

    ABSTRACT

    Background

    Lasting immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following infection is questioned because serum antibodies decline in convalescence. However, functional immunity is mediated by long-lived memory T and B (Bmem) cells.

    Objective

    To determine the longevity and immunophenotype of SARS-CoV-2-specific Bmem cells in COVID-19 patients.

    Methods

    Recombinant spike receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid protein (NCP) were produced for ELISA-based serology, and biotinylated for fluorescent tetramer generation to identify SARS-CoV-2-specific Bmem cells by flow cytometry with a panel of 13 mAbs. 36 blood samples were obtained from 25 COVID-19 patients (11 paired) between 4-242 days post-symptom onset for detection of neutralizing antibodies, IgG serology and flow cytometry.

    Results

    The recombinant RBD and NCP were specifically recognized by serum IgG in all patients and reactivity declined >20 days post-symptom onset. All patients had detectable RBD- and NCP-specific Bmem cells at 8.23-267.6 cells/ml of blood (0.004-0.13% of B cells) regardless of sampling time. RBD- and NCP-specific Bmem cells predominantly expressed IgM or IgG1, with the latter formed slightly later than the former. RBD-specific IgG + Bmem were predominantly CD27 + , and numbers significantly correlated with circulating follicular helper T cell numbers.

    Conclusion

    RBD- and NCP-specific Bmem cells persisted for 8 months, indicating that the decline in serum antibodies after 1 month does not indicate waning of immunity but a contraction of the immune response. Flowcytometric detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific Bmem cells enables detection of long-term functional immunity following infection or vaccination for COVID-19.