Existing COVID-19 test may not predict protection against reinfection

Written by Rhiannon Finnie

Researchers from The University of Texas (TX, USA) have explained two different types of detectable antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that may indicate different outcomes in relation to protection against reinfection of COVID-19. Antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (S-RBD) are speculated to neutralize the virus infection, however, antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) may indicate exposure to the virus but not protection against reinfection.  Therefore, the team have recommended caution against the extensively used N-protein based serology tests for determining potential COVID-19 immunity. In their experiment, recently described in JCI Insight, the team generated...

To view this content, please register now for access

It's completely free