Paediatrics (RCH) - Research Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in children of parents with symptomatic COVID-19
    Tosif, S ; Neeland, M ; Sutton, P ; Licciardi, P ; Sarkar, S ; Selva, K ; Do, LAH ; Donato, C ; Toh, ZQ ; Higgins, R ; de Sandt, CV ; Lemke, M ; Lee, C ; Shoffner, S ; Flanagan, K ; Arnold, K ; Mordant, F ; Mulholland, K ; Bines, J ; Dohle, K ; Pellicci, D ; Curtis, N ; McNab, S ; Steer, A ; Saffery, R ; Subbarao, K ; Chung, A ; Kedzierska, K ; Burgner, D ; Crawford, N ( 2020)
    Compared to adults, children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have mild or asymptomatic infection, but the underlying immunological differences remain unclear. We describe clinical features, virology, longitudinal cellular and cytokine immune profile, SARS-CoV-2-specific serology and salivary antibody responses in a family of two parents with PCR-confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and their three children, who were repeatedly SARS-CoV-2 PCR negative. Cellular immune profiles and cytokine responses of all children were similar to their parents at all timepoints. All family members had salivary anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected, predominantly IgA, that coincided with symptom resolution in 3 of 4 symptomatic members. Plasma from both parents and one child had IgG antibody detected against the S1 protein and virus neutralising activity ranging from just detectable to robust titers. Using a systems serology approach, we show that all family members demonstrated higher levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody features than healthy controls. These data indicate that children can mount an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 without virological evidence of infection. This raises the possibility that despite chronic exposure, immunity in children prevents establishment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Relying on routine virological and serological testing may therefore not identify exposed children, with implications for epidemiological and clinical studies across the life-span.