The correlation between humoral immune responses and severity of clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic persists with global repercussions. Initial COVID-19 symptoms encompass pneumonia, fever, myalgia, and fatigue. The human immune system produces IgM and IgG antibodies in response to SARS-CoV-2. Despite previous research, a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between clinical manifestations and humoral immune responses remains elusive. This study aims to scrutinize this association. 134 COVID-19 patients were enrolled, and stratified into mild, moderate, and severe symptom groups. Serum IgM and IgG levels were assessed thrice at one-month intervals using ELISA. The findings reveal significant elevation in serum IgG levels in moderate compared to mild cases (P < 0.001). Additionally, IgG production was significantly heightened in severe cases compared to both mild (P < 0.0001) and moderate (P < 0.05) groups. IgM and IgG levels peaked initially and diminished over time. While anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are expected to confer protection, the direct correlation between IgG levels and symptom severity may arise from delayed immune activation, resulting in an intense antibody response in severe cases. Given evidence linking delayed immune function with a dysregulated innate immune response, comprehensive data collection should encompass not only serum IgG and IgM, but also early measurement of type I interferons at symptom onset. This could provide a more thorough understanding of COVID-19 progression.