Early antibody response predicts COVID-19 outcome
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the novel coronavirus behind the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has claimed over 2.54 million lives so far and affected more than 114 million people globally. In the U.S. alone, more than 516,000 deaths are attributed to the virus. Neutralizing antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are the most widely used candidates for developing vaccines and therapeutics. So far, there have been three Emergency Use Authorizations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for such antibodies and combinations, and many others are in the development pipeline.
Studies have shown that the inflammatory phase of COVID-19 is associated with severe disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome. During this phase, macrophages and monocytes are activated, and cytokines are released, leading to a cytokine storm. It may also involve viral transmission independent of the