The post-COVID-19 population has a high prevalence of cross-reactive antibodies to spikes from all Orthocoronavirinae genera

mBio. 2024 Jan 16;15(1):e0225023. doi: 10.1128/mbio.02250-23. Epub 2023 Dec 19.

Abstract

As demonstrated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, coronaviruses pose a significant pandemic threat. Here, we show that coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccination can induce significant levels of cross-reactive antibodies against diverse coronavirus spike proteins. While these antibodies are binding antibodies that likely have little neutralization capacity and while their contribution to cross-protection is unclear, it is possible that they may play a role in protection from progression to severe disease with novel coronaviruses.

Keywords: Orthocoronavirinae; SARS-CoV-2 immunity; antibodies; cross-reactivity.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19*
  • Cross Reactions
  • Humans
  • Prevalence
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2