Abstract
The importance of pre-existing immune responses to seasonal endemic coronaviruses (HCoVs) for the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the course of COVID-19 is the subject of an ongoing scientific debate. Recent studies postulate that immune responses to previous HCoV infections can either have a slightly protective or no effect on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and, consequently, be neglected for COVID-19 risk stratification. Challenging this notion, we provide evidence that pre-existing, anti-nucleocapsid antibodies against endemic alpha-coronaviruses and S2 domain-specific anti-spike antibodies against beta-coronavirus HCoV-OC43 are elevated in patients with COVID-19 compared to pre-pandemic donors. This finding is particularly pronounced in males and in critically ill patients. Longitudinal evaluation reveals that antibody cross-reactivity or polyclonal stimulation by SARS-CoV-2 infection are unlikely to be confounders. Thus, specific pre-existing immunity to seasonal coronaviruses may increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and predispose individuals to an adverse COVID-19 outcome, guiding risk management and supporting the development of universal coronavirus vaccines.
| Item Type: | Journal article |
|---|---|
| Faculties: | Chemistry and Pharmacy > Department of Biochemistry |
| Subjects: | 500 Science > 540 Chemistry |
| ISSN: | 2211-1247 |
| Language: | English |
| Item ID: | 103157 |
| Date Deposited: | 05. Jun 2023 15:42 |
| Last Modified: | 05. Jun 2023 15:42 |
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