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.
