Spike-specific circulating T follicular helper cell and cross-neutralizing antibody responses in COVID-19-convalescent individuals

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)(1-3) and individuals with COVID-19 have symptoms that can be asymptomatic, mild, moderate or severe(4,5). In the early phase of infection, T- and B-cell counts are substantially decreased(6,7); however, IgM(8-11) and IgG(12-14) are detectable within 14 d after symptom onset. In COVID-19-convalescent individuals, spike-specific neutralizing antibodies are variable(3,15,16). No specific drug or vaccine is available for COVID-19 at the time of writing; however, patients benefit from treatment with serum from COVID-19-convalescent individuals(17,18). Nevertheless, antibody responses and cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses in COVID-19-convalescent individuals are largely unknown. Here, we show that the majority of COVID-19-convalescent individuals maintained SARS-CoV-2 spike S1- and S2-specific antibodies with neutralizing activity against the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus, and that some of the antibodies cross-neutralized SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus or both pseudotyped viruses. Convalescent individuals who experienced severe COVID-19 showed higher neutralizing antibody titres, a faster increase in lymphocyte counts and a higher frequency of CXCR3(+) T follicular help (T-FH) cells compared with COVID-19-convalescent individuals who experienced non-severe disease. Circulating T-FH cells were spike specific and functional, and the frequencies of CXCR3(+) T-FH cells were positively associated with neutralizing antibody titres in COVID-19-convalescent individuals. No individuals had detectable autoantibodies. These findings provide insights into neutralizing antibody responses in COVID-19-convalescent individuals and facilitate the treatment and vaccine development for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Automated summary

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the majority of convalescent individuals maintain neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Those who experienced severe COVID-19 had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies, a faster increase in lymphocyte counts, and a higher frequency of CXCR3(+) T-follicular help cells.