Data Sheet 1_Early functional maturation of anti-Spike antibodies predicts efficient SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance.pdf

In contrast, persistent individuals displayed delayed seroconversion, prolonged IgM responses, and reduced coordination among IgG subclasses during acute infection, consistent with delayed early humoral maturation. Total immunoglobulin levels did not distinguish the groups, whereas cross-variant antibody recognition during acute infection remained limited and predominantly strain-focused in both groups. During convalescence, durable anti-Spike IgG responses were maintained independently of persistence status, without significant differences in cross-variant breadth.

Vaccination robustly enhanced antibody titers, variant recognition, and ACE2-blocking responses in both groups.</p>Discussion<p>Accelerated functional maturation of the early anti-Spike antibody response, rather than overall antibody magnitude, was associated with efficient SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance. These findings identify early functional maturation of the humoral response as an immunological correlate of efficient viral clearance and provide mechanistic insight into the immune processes underlying heterogeneous SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance during mild infection.</p>