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Differential association of SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses with anti-OC43 IgG in a Senegalese cohort
Author(s)
Rokhaya Faye
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Adji Astou Mbow
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Billo Tall
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Aboubacry Gaye
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Amadou Moustapha Ndoye
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Rokhaya Gueye
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Dieynaba Diallo
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Francine Ndebane Faye
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Cheikh Talla
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Ndongo Dia
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
B. Mbengue
Cheikh Anta Diop University
Stéphane Pelleau
Institut Pasteur
Makhtar Niang
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Moussa Seydi
Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann
Amadou A. Sall
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Fabien Taïeb
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Cheikh Loucoubar
Institut Pasteur de Dakar
Michaël White
Institut Pasteur
Thomas Poiret
Karolinska Institutet
Inès Vigan-Womas
Institut Pasteur
Date Issued
8 de abril de 2025
Type
Preprint
Abstract
Abstract Numerous studies elucidated the kinetics of the humoral immune response post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses and their interaction with pre-existing seasonal human coronavirus (HCoVs: OC43, 229E, NL63, HKU1) immunity remain underexplored. A prospective cohort study was conducted in Senegal during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March to December 2020). A total of 204 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included. Patients were classified as symptomatic (n=157) or asymptomatic (n=47) based on clinical presentation. Plasma samples (n=705) were collected over 6 months from SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals. IgG levels against SARS-CoV-2 and HCoVs were measured using a multiplex bead-based assay. Among the 204 participants included (95 [46.6%] female, median age, 44 [7–95]), SARS-CoV-2 IgG were detectable 6 months post-infection, peaking at 1 month for most antigens, except for Spike (S), which peaked at 3 months. Elderly patients (>60 years) exhibited higher IgG levels against both SARS- CoV-2 and HCoVs. Symptomatic patients had higher IgG levels than asymptomatic individuals, especially for WTS, RBD, S2, and N. Anti-HCoV IgG levels remained stable post-infection, with OC43 peaking at week 3 in symptomatic patients. A positive correlation was found between anti-SARS-CoV- 2 and anti-OC43 IgG in symptomatic patients. The study highlights persistent SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies for up to 6 months and suggests a link between pre-existing HCoV-OC43 immunity and COVID-19 outcomes in Senegal. These findings could help shape future vaccine strategies, considering the influence of circulating HCoVs on long- term protection against SARS-CoV-2. Author summary Understanding how our immune system responds to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID- 19, is essential for guiding public health countermeasures and informing vaccine development strategies. In our study, we monitored, in COVID-19 patients, the evolution of IgG antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins over a six-month period. Additionally, we examined how previous exposure to common seasonal coronaviruses might influence immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. Conducting this research in an African context is particularly important, as data on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in this region are scarce. Our results provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between immune responses elicited by SARS-CoV-2 and pre-existing immunity from seasonal circulating coronaviruses. These findings enhance our understanding of immune memory and cross-reactivity, two critical factors for assessing long-term protection and optimizing vaccine strategies. By shedding light on the dynamics of antibody responses over time within a sub-Saharan population, our research contributes to the global effort aimed at developing effective interventions against COVID-19 and preparing for future coronavirus outbreaks.
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