This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
On July 13, 2020, a groundbreaking study was released, shedding light on the dynamics of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2. The research, led by King's College London, examined the levels of antibodies in over 90 confirmed virus patients and how they changed over time.
According to the study, even individuals with mild COVID-19 symptoms mounted some immune response to the virus. However, after three months, only 16.7 percent of the study group had maintained high levels of COVID-19-neutralising antibodies, and after 90 days, several patients had no detectable antibodies in their bloodstream.
Experts say the findings may change how governments plan for the next phase of the pandemic, including how they fund and organise vaccine research and development. Lawrence Young, professor of Molecular Oncology at the University of Warwick, noted that the study emphasizes the need for a better understanding of a protective immune response to develop an effective vaccine.
James Gill, an honorary Clinical Lecturer at Warwick Medical School, reiterated the need for continued measures to mitigate the virus spreading, particularly at the start of Europe's holiday season. He cautioned that even those with a positive antibody test should continue to use caution, social distancing, and appropriate mask use.
