The Levy Library Blog

Article in the Spotlight: January 2021

Each month Levy Library showcases the achievements of Mount Sinai faculty and researchers by highlighting an article and its altmetrics. Altmetrics are alternative measures of impact that capture non-traditional data like abstract views, article downloads, and social media activity. Our altmetrics data is provided by the  PlumX platform. 

This month we highlight Functional SARS-CoV-2-Specific Immune Memory Persists after Mild COVID-19. This article was written in part by Julie Anne Eggenberger, Ph.D. student.

CITATION

Cell, ISSN: 0092-8674, Vol: 184, Issue: 1, Page: 169-183.e17

HIGHLIGHTS

• Longitudinal analysis of multifaceted immune memory following mild COVID-19
• Antibodies capable of neutralizing virus persist for at least 3 months in most subjects
• Virus-specific memory B and T cells display hallmarks of anti-viral immunity
• MBCs increase in number and express antibodies capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2

SUMMARY

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is causing a global pandemic, and cases continue to rise. Most infected individuals experience mildly symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but it is unknown whether this can induce persistent immune memory that could contribute to immunity. We performed a longitudinal assessment of individuals recovered from mild COVID-19 to determine whether they develop and sustain multifaceted SARS-CoV-2-specific immunological memory. Recovered individuals developed SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies, neutralizing plasma, and memory B and memory T cells that persisted for at least 3 months. Our data further reveal that SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG memory B cells increased over time. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2-specific memory lymphocytes exhibited characteristics associated with potent antiviral function: memory T cells secreted cytokines and expanded upon antigen re-encounter, whereas memory B cells expressed receptors capable of neutralizing virus when expressed as monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, mild COVID-19 elicits memory lymphocytes that persist and display functional hallmarks of antiviral immunity.

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