The effect of tocilizumab, anakinra and prednisolone on antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19: A prospective cohort study with multivariate analysis of factors affecting the antibody response.

OBJECTIVES

Disease severity, previous medications and immunosuppressive agents could affect the antibody response against SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to analyze variables affecting the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included adult patients who recovered from COVID-19 and were admitted to a COVID-19 follow-up unit. Eight patient groups were defined in accordance with the results of thoracic computed tomography (CT), SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, and tocilizumab or anakinra use during active disease. Anti-S IgG antibodies were determined by ELISA in serum samples. Anti-S positive and negative cases were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 518 patients were included in the study. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were positive in 82.8% of patients. SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity, extent of lung involvement on CT, and time to antibody testing were independently associated with antibody positivity. Tocilizumab, anakinra or prednisolone use was not a factor affecting the antibody response. The rate of antibody response and sample/CO values among antibody-positive patients showed a linear relationship with the extent of lung involvement on CT.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of tocilizumab, anakinra and prednisolone for COVID-19 did not affect the antibody response against SARS-CoV-2. The main driver of antibody response among patients with COVID-19 was the extent of pulmonary involvement on CT.