This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Published on July 13, 2020, a groundbreaking study by researchers from King's College London shed light on the dynamics of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2.
The study, which examined the levels of antibodies in over 90 confirmed virus patients, revealed that even individuals with mild COVID-19 symptoms mounted some immune response to the virus.
However, the researchers found that after three months, only 16.7% of patients had maintained high levels of COVID-19-neutralising antibodies, and several patients had no detectable antibodies in their bloodstream.
Experts warn that immunity to COVID-19 may not last more than a few months, emphasizing the need for continued caution and social distancing measures, particularly during the holiday season.
"This is an important study that starts to define the longer-term dynamics of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2," said Lawrence Young, professor of Molecular Oncology at the University of Warwick.
James Gill, an honorary Clinical Lecturer at Warwick Medical School, added that the research reiterated the need for everyone to continue taking measures to mitigate the virus spreading.
