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COVID-19 and Hyperimmune sera: A feasible plan B to fight against coronavirus
Camila B P da Costa1, Francislene J Martins2, Luis E R da Cunha3
1Instituto Vital Brazil, Niterói, RJ 24230-410, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, IB, UFF, RJ 24210-130, Brazil.
Abstract:
Since the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, different treatment strategies have been explored. These mainly involve the development of antimicrobial, antiviral, and/or anti-inflammatory agents as well as vaccine production. However, other potential options should be more avidly investigated since vaccine production on a worldwide level, and the anti-vaccination movement, also known as anti-vax or vaccine hesitancy by many communities, are still real obstacles without a ready solution. This review presents recent findings on the potential therapeutic advantages of heterologous serotherapy for the treatment of COVID-19. We present not only the effective use in animal models of hyperimmune sera against this coronavirus but also strategies, and protocols for the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 sera. Promising antigens are also indicated such as the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in SARS-CoV-2 S protein, which is already in phase 2/3 clinical trial, and the trimeric protein S, which was shown to be up to 150 times more potent than the serum from convalescent donors. Due to the high death rate, the treatment for those currently infected with coronavirus cannot be ignored. Therefore, the potential use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune sera should be carefully but urgently evaluated in phase 2/3 clinical studies.
Insights
Heterologous serotherapy offers a promising COVID-19 treatment. Hyperimmune sera, derived from antigens like the SARS-CoV-2 S protein
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Therapeutics
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic necessitates diverse treatment strategies beyond vaccines.
- Vaccine hesitancy and production challenges highlight the need for alternative therapies.
- Antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agents have been explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on heterologous serotherapy for COVID-19 treatment.
- To discuss strategies and protocols for producing anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune sera.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of hyperimmune sera against SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal models demonstrating effective hyperimmune sera.
- Analysis of production strategies and protocols for anti-SARS-CoV-2 sera.
- Identification of promising antigens, including the SARS-CoV-2 S protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) and trimeric S protein.
Main Results:
- Hyperimmune sera have shown effectiveness in animal models against coronaviruses.
- The trimeric S protein yielded sera up to 150 times more potent than convalescent serum.
- The receptor-binding domain (RBD) is a promising antigen currently in phase 2/3 clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Heterologous serotherapy presents a viable treatment option for COVID-19.
- Urgent evaluation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 hyperimmune sera in clinical trials is warranted.
- Effective treatments are crucial given the high mortality rate of coronavirus infections.
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