Post-covid-19 immune signatures: Antibody and Th1 cytokine profiles among healthcare workers in Côte d’Ivoire … Original Research Article … |
The Egyptian Journal of Immunology E-ISSN (2090-2506) Volume 33 (1), January, 2026 Pages: 62–70. www.Ejimmunology.org https://doi.org/10.55133/eji.330107 |
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| Amah P. V. Goran-Kouacou1,2, Séry R. Dassé1,2, Adjoumanvoulé H. Adou1,2, Oppong R. Yéboah1,2, Aya U. A. Assi1,2, Nangninlyomi S. Moussa1,3, Yida J. Séri1,2, Angbonon T. E. Attoukoula1,2, Brou D. Y. Oura1,3, Koffi N’Guessan1,2, Kouabla L. Siransy1,3 |
| 1Department of Immunology & Allergology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
2Laboratory of Immunology & Hematology, University Hospital of Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire 3National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTSCI), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
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Corresponding author: Amah P. V. Goran-Kouacou, Department of Immunology & Allergology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Email: kouacou.amah@gmail.com |
Abstract
The post-SARS-CoV-2 immune response involves both neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and T-cell cooperation. Healthcare workers, highly exposed in daily practice, represent a relevant population for study. This study aimed to describe the post-COVID-19 immune profiles of Ivorian healthcare workers by analyzing the association between antibodies (IgM, IgG, NAbs) and Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-g, TNF-α). This cross-sectional study, conducted during January 2022 to June 2023 in three university hospitals in Abidjan, included 36 participants with RT-PCR-confirmed infection. IgM and IgG were measured using an automated analyzer. NAbs were quantified on a multiparametric test system. IL-2, IFN- g, and TNF-α were measured by a flow cytometer. A robust profile was defined by the combined presence of IgG ≥ 250 Binding Antibody Units (BAU)/ml, NAbs ≥ 800 BAU/ml, and at least one Th1 cytokine (IL-2 ≥ 2.3 pg/ml or IFN- g ≥ 0.5 pg/ml). The study participants were 63.9% women with mean age of 40.7 years. All participants had detectable IgG; 69.4% displayed high NAbs, and 75.0% had IL-2 ≥ 2.3 pg/ml. IgG correlated positively with IL-2 (ρ = 0.667; p < 0.0001) but negatively correlated with IFN- g (ρ = -0.535; p = 0.0008). NAbs were positively associated with IL-2 (ρ = 0.341; p = 0.0416) but negatively associated with IFN- g (ρ = -0.740; p < 0.0001). Of the participants, 25 (69.4%) were classified as robust and 11 (30.6%) as non-robust. Robust profiles showed higher IgG, NAbs, and IL-2 levels, whereas non-robust profiles had higher IFN- g. Vaccination status did not significantly differentiate groups. In conclusion, in Ivorian healthcare workers, robustness of the post-infection immune response is based on the synergy between NAbs and IL-2. Conversely, high IFN- g levels were associated with weaker neutralization, probably influenced by post-infection kinetics. These results suggested that immune monitoring should integrate combined profiles, beyond IgG alone, to identify individuals requiring priority vaccination follow-up.
Keywords:
COVID-19; NAbs; IL-2; IFN-g; post-infection immunity; healthcare workers; Côte d’Ivoire..
Date received:
November 2025; accepted: January 2026
PMID:
000000
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