Antibodies against COVID-19 could last a lifetime

There is a possibility that immunity against the coronavirus lasts not just a few months, but years or even decades, according to a newly published study that reveals that antibodies against the virus could be longer-lasting than previously thought.

The research was carried out by the University of Washington and reveals that those who have suffered mildly from the disease could have antibodies for life. It was previously said that the protection of these antibodies disappeared over the months, but the authors of the new study postulate that this would be a misinterpretation of the data.

“It is normal for antibody levels to drop after an infection,” says Ali Ellebedy, one of the authors of the study. “But they don't disappear, they just enter a plateau.”

Proof of this is that antibodies were found in people who had developed COVID-19 almost a year ago.

According to the authors, the cells that generate antibodies move to the bone marrow and from there continue sending them to the bloodstream, although in smaller quantities compared to when the disease was active. “These cells do not continue dividing, but are simply standing still in the marrow, releasing antibodies. They have been doing it since the infection ended and will continue to do so indefinitely.”