Antibody Response against SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Implications for Diagnosis, Treatment and Vaccine Development

Many recent studies have reported the onset of a robust antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlighted produced antibodies' specific qualitative and quantitative aspects, relevant for developing antibody-based diagnostic and therapeutic options. In this review, firstly we will report main information acquired so far regarding the humoral response to COVID-19; we will concentrate, in particular, upon the observed levels and the kinetics, the specificity spectrum and the neutralizing potential of antibodies produced in infected patients. We will then discuss the implication of humoral response's characteristics in the development and correct use of serologic tests, as well as the efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma therapy and of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies for treating infected patients and preventing new infections. An update of the list of newly isolated specific neutralizing antibodies and suggestions for vaccine evaluation and development will be also provided.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the main findings regarding the humoral immune response to COVID-19, focusing on levels and kinetics of antibodies in infected patients, as well as the specificity spectrum and neutralizing potential. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of these humoral response characteristics on serologic testing, convalescent plasma therapy, and neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment, while also providing updates on specific neutralizing antibodies and suggestions for vaccine evaluation and development.