Functional SARS-CoV-2-specific immune memory persists after mild COVID-19

Abstract

The 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 if they develop and sustain multifaceted SARS-CoV-2-specific immunological memory. Recovered individuals developed SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies, neutralizing plasma, memory B and memory T cells that persisted for at least three 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, while 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.

Highlights

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  Longitudinal analysis of multifaceted immune memory following mild COVID-19

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  Antibodies capable of neutralizing virus persist for at least 3 months in most subjects

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  Virus-specific memory B and T cells display hallmarks of anti-viral immunity

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  MBCs increase in number and express antibodies capable of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Longitudinal analysis of immune memory following mild COVID-19 elicits memory lymphocytes that persist and display functional hallmarks of antiviral immunity.