Serological analysis of COVID-19 patients highlights cross-reactivity of antibodies with the HIV-1 2F5 epitope

Author(s)

Lima, Tayna E. ; Brito, Carlos A. A. ; Gil, Laura H. V. G. ; Dhalia, Rafael ; Teixeira, Franciane M. E. ; Sato, Maria N. ; Wallau, Gabriel L. ; Lins, Roberto D. ; Viana, Isabelle F. T.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Clinical Virology; v. 181, p. 4-pg., 2025-12-25.

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised concerns regarding the specificity of serological assays due to potential antibody cross-reactivity. In this study, we analyzed sera from 57 individuals infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess antibody recognition of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope epitope (2F5). Cross-reactive binding to the HIV-1 antigen was detected in 38.5 % (22/57) of samples, indicating nonspecific antibody recognition. Interestingly, sera from HIV-1-infected individuals and the monoclonal anti-2F5 antibody exhibited no reactivity toward the SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor-binding domain (RBD), indicating that cross-reactivity occurs in a unidirectional manner and does not compromise the specificity of RBD-based diagnostic assays. These findings support the specificity of RBD-targeted assays and advocate for careful interpretation of HIV-1 serological assays in individuals with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly where dual circulation occurs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/11479-7 - Vaccine protocol in murine model, as a protection strategy against Zika Virus infection
• Grantee: Franciane Mouradian Emidio Teixeira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/25119-7 - Maternal-fetal interface: immunopathogenesis and vaccinal intervention in viral infections
• Grantee: Maria Notomi Sato
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants