SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells can persist in the elderly despite loss of neutralising antibodies
Jeffery-Smith, A.; Burton, A. R.; Lens, S.; Rees-Spear, C.; Patel, M.; Gopal, R.; Muir, L.; Aiano, F.; Doores, K. J.; Chow, J. Y.; Ladhani, S. N.; Zambon, M.; McCoy, L. E.; Maini, M. K.
Show abstract
Memory B cells (MBC) can provide a recall response able to supplement waning antibodies with an affinity-matured response better able to neutralise variant viruses. We studied a cohort of vulnerable elderly care home residents and younger staff, a high proportion of whom had lost neutralising antibodies (nAb), to investigate their reserve immunity from SARS-CoV-2-specific MBC. Class-switched spike and RBD-tetramer-binding MBC with a classical phenotype persisted five months post-mild/asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, irrespective of age. Spike/RBD-specific MBC remained detectable in the majority who had lost nAb, although at lower frequencies and with a reduced IgG/IgA isotype ratio. Functional spike/S1/RBD-specific recall was also detectable by ELISpot in some who had lost nAb, but was significantly impaired in the elderly, particularly to RBD. Our findings demonstrate persistence of SARS-CoV-2-specific MBC beyond loss of nAb, but highlight the need for careful monitoring of functional defects in RBD-specific B cell immunity in the elderly. One sentence summaryCirculating class-switched spike and RBD-specific memory B cells can outlast detectable neutralising antibodies but are functionally constrained in the elderly.
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