Temporal correlations between RBD-ACE2 blocking and binding antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants in CoronaVac-vaccinated individuals and their persistence in COVID-19 patients
Abstract
Abstract Antibodies play a crucial role in protection against SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the correlation between binding and functional antibodies is essential to determine whether binding antibody levels can reliably predict neutralizing activity. We assessed antibody responses in 111 individuals vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine CoronaVac and 111 COVID-19 patients in Thailand. Plasma levels of ACE2-blocking antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-Co-V2 variants were measured before vaccination and at 14 and 28 days after the second dose using a multiplex surrogate virus neutralization test. Anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibodies were quantified by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and anti-RBD IgG by ELISA. After vaccination, blocking, anti-spike, and IgG antibody levels increased but declined rapidly within a month, whereas antibody levels in COVID-19 patients increased and persisted. Blocking and anti-spike antibody correlated at day 14 post-vaccination but not at day 28. In COVID-19 patients, correlations were moderate at day 14, and stronger at day 28. Correlations were weaker for Omicron subvariants than for the ancestral strain and non-Omicron variants. The weak correlation between blocking and anti-RBD IgG suggests binding antibodies might not predict neutralizing activity. These findings highlight the temporal nature of CoronaVac-induced immunity and the need for booster doses and variant-adapted vaccine.
Article Details
Authors (79)
Prapassorn Poolchanuan
Wasin Matsee
Adul Dulsuk
Rungnapa Phunpang
Chakkaphan Runcharoen
Thitiya Boonprakob
Onura Hemtong
Suchada Chowplijit
Vachara Chuapaknam
Tanaya Siripoon
Phimphan Pisutsan
Watcharapong Piyaphanee
Wathusiri Khongsiri
Nathamon Kosoltanapiwat
Le Van Tan
Susanna Dunachie
Chee Wah Tan
Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke–National University of Singapore Medical School
Lin-Fa Wang
Wasun Chantratita
Viravarn Luvira
Narisara Chantratita
Nguyen Thi Thu Hong
Truong Hoang Chau Truc
Nguyen Thi Han Ny
Do Duong Kim Han
Le Kim Thanh
Lam Anh Nguyet
Cao Thu Thuy
Le Nguyen Truc Nhu
Tran Tan Thanh
Nguyen To Anh
Lam Minh Yen
Vu Thi Ty Hang
Pham Tieu Kieu
Vo Tan Hoang
Nguyen Thi Thao
Mary Chambers
Vu Duy Thanh
Tran Chieu Hoang
C. Louise Thwaites
H. Rogier van Doorn
Trinh Son Tung
Guy Thwaites
Raph L. Hamers
Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Indonesia, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Anuraj Shankar
Juthathip Mongkolsapaya
Gavin Screaton
Aiete Dijokaite-Guraliuc
Raksha Das
Chang Liu
Piyada Supasa
Muneeswaran Selvaraj
Susanna J. Dunachie
Paul Klenerman
Translational Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
E. Yvonne Jones
David I. Stuart
Division of Structural Biology, Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
Barbara Kronsteiner-Dobramysl
Martha Zewdie
Priyanka Abraham
Jennifer Hill
Wang Lin-Fa
Wee Chee Yap
Beng Lee Lim
Suwarti
Yanie Tayipto
Eva Simarmata
Ragil Dien
Wanwisa Dejnirattisai
Warangkana Chantima
Apirak Junpirom
Vichapon Tiacharoen
Sophon Iamsirithaworn
Nicholas P.J. Day
Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
Phaik Yeong Cheah
Tassawan Poomchaichote
Kanpong Boonthaworn
Nghiem My Ngoc
Alba Grifoni
Alessandro Sette