Antibody-like proteins that capture and neutralize SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Developing rapid countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2 is crucial.
• Existing methods for antibody generation can be time-consuming, hindering swift pandemic response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a high-speed in vitro selection method for generating high-affinity antibody-like proteins.
• To develop novel therapeutics and diagnostics against SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemic pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-speed in vitro selection to identify antibody-like proteins against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
• Isolated and sequenced monobody candidates within a 4-day timeframe.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated multiple high-affinity antibody-like proteins, including monobodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
• The selected monobody demonstrated efficient capture of SARS-CoV-2 from patient samples.
• Achieved potent neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.5 nanomolar.

Conclusions:

• High-speed in vitro selection is a viable and rapid approach for developing antibody-like proteins.
• This method holds significant promise for the swift creation of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for viral pandemics.