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Characterization of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in a mildly affected pediatric population
Sonja Kopanja1, Pia Gattinger2, Klara Schmidthaler1
1Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Centre of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Insights
Children with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 develop a robust antibody response. Their SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies effectively neutralize the virus and block ACE2 binding, similar to adults.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- COVID-19 typically presents mildly in children.
- Understanding the pediatric SARS-CoV-2 antibody response is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the IgG antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in schoolchildren.
- To compare pediatric antibody features with adult responses.
Main Methods:
- ELISA and microarray analysis of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 antigens (S, RBD).
- Assessment of antibody capacity for RBD-ACE2 binding inhibition and virus neutralization.
- Comparison with adult COVID-19 convalescent samples.
Main Results:
- 100% of pediatric subjects developed anti-S IgG; 84.6% developed anti-RBD IgG.
- Antibodies recognized conformational epitopes and neutralized the virus (titer ≥80).
- ACE2-RBD interaction inhibition reached up to 65%.
Conclusions:
- Mildly affected pediatric patients mount a significant SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody response.
- Pediatric antibody responses are comparable to those in mildly affected adults.
Background:
While children usually experience a mild course of COVID-19, and a severe disease is more common in adults, the features, specificities, and functionality of the SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody response in the pediatric population are of interest.
Methods:
We performed a detailed analysis of IgG antibodies specific for SARS-CoV-2-derived antigens S and RBD by ELISA in 26 SARS-CoV-2 seropositive schoolchildren with mild or asymptomatic disease course, and in an equally sized, age- and gender-matched control group. Furthermore, a detailed mapping of IgG reactivity to a panel of microarrayed SARS-CoV-2 proteins and S-derived peptides was performed by microarray technology. The capacity of the antibody response to block RBD-ACE2 binding and virus neutralization were assessed. Results were compared with those obtained in an adult COVID-19 convalescent population.
Results:
After mild COVID-19, anti-S and RBD-specific IgG antibodies were developed by 100% and 84.6% of pediatric subjects, respectively. No difference was observed in regards to symptoms and gender. Mounted antibodies recognized conformational epitopes of the spike protein and were capable to neutralize the virus up to a titer of ≥80 and to inhibit the ACE2-RBD interaction by up to 65%. SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG responses in children were comparable to mildly affected adult patients.
Conclusion:
SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic and mildly affected pediatric patients develop a SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody response, which is comparable regarding antigen, epitope recognition, and the ability to inhibit the RBD-ACE2 interaction to that observed in adult patients after mild COVID-19.
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