Antibodies to Early COVID-19 Variants Less Effective, Australian Study Finds
Australian scientists have published a comprehensive study on the immune response to COVID-19, revealing that antibodies generated against early variants are less effective against contemporary ones. The research, led by Dr. Frauke Mücksch and a partnership of top Australian institutions, highlights the importance of continued vaccine development.
The study analysed serum from 233 individuals infected between February and October 2020, investigating 10 strains and variants. It found that antibodies produced after early infection displayed reduced binding and neutralisation potency to emerging COVID-19 symptoms. The research team used a comprehensive suite of assays to measure antibody response and neutralisation of infectious SARS-CoV-2 over time.
Vaccination was found to be more effective than the body's natural immune response in protecting against COVID-19 variants. A rare group of 'super responders' showed stable and robust antibody levels across all variants. However, the study suggests that sustained antibodies are produced for up to seven months post-infection, but their effectiveness varies with disease severity and viral variant.
The study, published in PLOS Medicine, is one of the world's most comprehensive on the immune response against COVID-19. It underscores the need for continued vaccine development to keep pace with emerging COVID-19 symptoms. While natural immunity provides some protection, vaccination remains the most effective way to combat the evolving virus.
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