Dynamics of serum cross-neutralization capacity against SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in convalescent COVID-19 patients

The magnitude and breadth of the neutralizing antibody response against variants of concern following natural infection would provide valuable insights regarding the immune response induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Herein, 25 patients were followed at 30 +/- 7 (Visit 1), 90 +/- 15 (Visit 2), and 180 +/- 15 (Visit 3) days post symptom onset (PSO). The neutralization titers against both Wuhan-Hu-1 (WT) and Delta variant were analyzed in parallel along with anti-Spike antibodies (anti-S1/S2 immunoglobulin G [IgG]). The median values of half-maximal neutralization titer (NT50) for the WT and Delta variants decreased by 75.8% and 82.2% at Visit 2 and by 85.4% and 81.4% at Visit 3, respectively. At Visit 1, the correlation between the anti-S1/S2 IgG and Nabs titers for the Delta variant was moderate for WT (r = 0.58) and weak for the Delta variant (r = 0.39). However, the correlation coefficient consistently remained above 0.7, with a very strong correlation at Visit 3 for both WT and Delta variants (r = 0.81). The dynamics of anti-S1/S2 IgG antibodies, NT50, and cross-neutralization index correlated at different time points PSO. Longitudinal analysis of the cross-neutralization capacity of immune sera will inform upon the durability of the immune response against SARS CoV-2 variants.