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Persistence of Functional Memory B Cells Recognizing SARS-CoV-2 Variants Despite Loss of Specific IgG (preprint)
ssrn; 2021.
Preprint in English | PREPRINT-SSRN | ID: ppzbmed-10.2139.ssrn.3854495
ABSTRACT
While some COVID-19 patients maintain SARS-CoV-2-specific serum IgGs for more than 6 months post-infection, others, especially mild cases, eventually lose IgG levels. We aimed to assess the persistence of SARS-CoV-2-specific B cells in patients who have lost specific IgGs and analyzed the reactivity of the immunoglobulins produced by these B cells. Circulating IgG memory B cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 were detected in all 16 patients 1–8 months post-infection, and 11 participants had specific IgA B cells. Four patients lost specific serum IgG after 5–8 months but had SARS-CoV-2-specific-B-cell levels comparable to those of seropositive donors. Immunoglobulins produced after in vitro differentiation blocked receptor-binding domain (RBD) binding to the cellular receptor ACE-2, indicating neutralizing activity. Memory-B-cell-derived IgGs recognized the RBD of B.1.1.7 similarly to the wild-type, while reactivity to B.1.351 and P.1. decreased by 30% and 50%, respectively. Memory-B-cell differentiation into antibody-producing cells is a more sensitive method for detecting previous infection than measuring serum antibodies. Circulating SARS-CoV-2 IgG memory B cells persist, even in the absence of specific serum IgG; produce neutralizing antibodies; and show differential cross-reactivity to emerging variants of concern. These features of SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells will help to understand and promote long-term protection.

Funding:

This work was supported by the DFG (SFB TR128) and the MOMENTE program LMU (to SM).Declaration of Interest None to declare.
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Full text: Available Collection: Preprints Database: PREPRINT-SSRN Main subject: COVID-19 Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Preprint

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Full text: Available Collection: Preprints Database: PREPRINT-SSRN Main subject: COVID-19 Language: English Year: 2021 Document Type: Preprint