Is there antibody dependent enhancement in SARS Coronavirus 2?
When a virus enters the host, several types of antibodies are formed. Some of these antibodies are neutralising, which hinders the replication of the virus by inhibiting essential steps such as the interaction of the virus with the host cell receptor. In some viruses, such as flaviviruses, enhancing antibodies are being described, which may facilitate the entry of the virus into the host cells. This immune mediated enhancement of entry and pathogenesis is termed as ADE.[1] ADE can be mediated by Fc receptors or complement receptors.[1] Besides, ADE has been associated with increased severity. Such an effect has been well characterised with dengue, where antibody to one serotype enhances the severity of infection due to another serotype.
Journal of family medicine and primary care