COVID-19 point-of-care tests can identify low-antibody individuals: In-depth immunoanalysis of boosting benefits in a healthy cohort

Sci Adv. 2024 Jun 14;10(24):eadi1379. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1379. Epub 2024 Jun 12.

Abstract

The recommended COVID-19 booster vaccine uptake is low. At-home lateral flow assay (LFA) antigen tests are widely accepted for detecting infection during the pandemic. Here, we present the feasibility and potential benefits of using LFA-based antibody tests as a means for individuals to detect inadequate immunity and make informed decisions about COVID-19 booster immunization. In a health care provider cohort, we investigated the changes in the breadth and depth of humoral and T cell immune responses following mRNA vaccination and boosting in LFA-positive and LFA-negative antibody groups. We show that negative LFA antibody tests closely reflect the lack of functional humoral immunity observed in a battery of sophisticated immune assays, while positive results do not necessarily reflect adequate immunity. After booster vaccination, both groups gain depth and breadth of systemic antibodies against evolving SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses. Our findings show that LFA-based antibody tests can alert individuals about inadequate immunity against COVID-19, thereby increasing booster shots and promoting herd immunity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral* / immunology
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / immunology
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • COVID-19* / immunology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • COVID-19* / virology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Humoral
  • Immunization, Secondary
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Point-of-Care Testing*
  • SARS-CoV-2* / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Vaccines