A Rapid and Efficient Screening System for Neutralizing Antibodies and Its Application for SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for effective neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 for prophylaxis and therapy.
• Existing methodologies for generating NAbs often lack detailed protocols for rapid and efficient production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a rapid, efficient screening method for identifying SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) specific NAbs.
• To evaluate the neutralizing activity, potency, and affinity of the identified NAbs.

Main Methods:

• Integrated and optimized a screening strategy for NAbs targeting SARS-CoV-2 RBD.
• Collected blood samples from COVID-19 convalescent patients.
• Antibody production and functional analysis were performed within a 15-day timeframe.

Main Results:

• Successfully identified 198 specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 RBD.
• 96 of these antibodies demonstrated neutralizing activity.
• Over 20% of NAbs exhibited high potency and affinity, with two top NAbs showing IC50 values below 12 ng/ml against authentic SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology enables rapid and efficient discovery of effective NAbs against SARS-CoV-2.
• This approach has significant potential for identifying preventative and therapeutic NAbs for emerging infectious diseases.
• The study provides a valuable tool for future antibody-based therapeutic development.