Fig. 3: Kinetics of Fc-dependent antibody effector functions after vaccination and association with outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Both neutralizing and crystallizable fragment (Fc) receptor (FcR)-activating antibodies (of which neutralizing antibodies are a subset) are elicited following exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). High titres of neutralizing antibodies are associated with protection against infection, but these titres wane relatively quickly after exposure. Titres of antibodies capable of engaging FcRs are more stable and durable after exposure. Maintenance of these antibodies may be associated with protection against severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection even as titres of neutralizing antibodies wane.