Characterising the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein antibody response

SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein antibodies can be used to identify the serological response to natural infection in those who have previously received a COVID-19 spike-based vaccine. Anti-N antibody responses can also be induced by inactivated whole SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccines, such as CoronaVac. We aimed to characterise antibody responses to the N protein following COVID-19 and following vaccination with CoronaVac.

Citation:
Noble CCA, McDonald E, Nicholson S, …….. Richmond PC, Warris A, Curtis N, Messina NL. Characterising the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein antibody response. J Infect. 2025;90(3).

Keywords:
Anti-N; Antibody; COVID-19; CoronaVac; Nucleocapsid protein; SARS-CoV-2; Seroconversion; Vaccination

Abstract:
SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein antibodies can be used to identify the serological response to natural infection in those who have previously received a COVID-19 spike-based vaccine. Anti-N antibody responses can also be induced by inactivated whole SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccines, such as CoronaVac. We aimed to characterise antibody responses to the N protein following COVID-19 and following vaccination with CoronaVac.