Robust neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 infection persist for months

Wajnberg, Ania; Amanat, Fatima; Firpo, Adolfo; Altman, Deena R.; Bailey, Mark J.; Mansour, Mayce; McMahon, Meagan; Meade, Philip; Mendu, Damodara Rao; Muellers, Kimberly; Stadlbauer, Daniel; Stone, Kimberly; Strohmeier, Shirin; Simon, Viviana; Aberg, Judith; Reich, David L.; Krammer, Florian; Cordon-Cardo, Carlos

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic with millions infected and more than 1 million fatalities. Questions regarding the robustness, functionality, and longevity of the antibody response to the virus remain unanswered. Here, on the basis of a dataset of 30,082 individuals screened at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, we report that the vast majority of infected individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 experience robust immunoglobulin G antibody responses against the viral spike protein. We also show that titers are relatively stable for at least a period of about 5 months and that anti-spike binding titers significantly correlate with neutralization of authentic SARS-CoV-2. Our data suggest that more than 90% of seroconverters make detectable neutralizing antibody responses. These titers remain relatively stable for several months after infection.