Fig. 1: Factors affecting the dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
From: Role of the humoral immune response during COVID-19: guilty or not guilty?
The characteristics of the patient can modulate the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody response. Specific IgG, IgA and IgM levels in serum are high in elderly individuals, whereas the mucosal IgA levels are low in these individuals, contrasting with the situation in young patients, who have lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers in serum and higher levels of mucosal IgA. Titers of specific IgG, IgA, and IgM in serum are higher in male than in female patients. Patients previously infected with another human coronavirus (HCoV) (represented by the “+” symbol) develop more anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG than IgM in serum, whereas the contrary occurs in patients with no previous immunity to HCoV (represented by the “-” symbol). Disease severity can also modulate specific responses in patients, as a more severe disease is associated with higher titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IgA, and IgM in serum. The quality and quantity of these antibodies can also modify disease severity. (Created with www.Biorender.com).
