Long-Term immunity against COVID-19: Antibodies & Bone Marrow Plasma Cells (BMPCs)

A fascinating study published in Nature on 24th May by Dr. Ellebedy and group at the Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, USA showed that the antibody production in people who recovered from COVID-19 could last for a lifetime. A previous study published in Nature early January this year (Nature volume 591, pages 639–644 (2021)) reported that the antibody produced against COVID-19 stays as such for 4-6 months. The finding had suggested the need to develop booster doses of vaccines to completely fend off the infection in future. Interestingly, this recent study discovered that bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs), hiding in the bone marrow are supposedly long-living and can therefore trickle antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 for many decades even when the residual antibody level wanes. The finding has a greater implication in the vaccination programs started against the virus. The study therefore reassures that the vaccines administered now might be enough to fend off severe infections in future as well. However, at the same time researchers also hinted at the necessity of booster doses in future especially if a new variant blunts the protective effect of the antibodies.

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