Progress of research on humoral immunity in COVID-19

ABSTRACT

After SARS-CoV-2 infects the body, it will trigger a series of pathophysiological processes. Humoral immunity is activated by antigen stimulation and T cell assistance to produce specific antibodies, which plays a vital role in clearing the virus. The detection of specific antibodies is an effective method for clinical screening and diagnosis and plays an important role in early diagnosis, assessment of infection stage, monitoring of treatment, follow-up and prediction of outcomes. However, the immune system is a 'double-edged sword'. COVID-19 humoral immunity may have antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) effect, resulting in immune injury and seriously affecting the outcomes and prognosis of patients. Since the epidemic, scientists around the world have carried out in-depth research on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and body immune system and have made great progress in development of antibody drugs and vaccines. However, the existence of ADE phenomenon poses many challenges for the research and development of drugs and vaccines. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the characteristics of COVID-19 humoral immunity so as to develop efficient and safe drugs and vaccines as early as possible and effectively control the epidemic.