Analysis of the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in 2020, causing a global pandemic with significant mortality.
• Current COVID-19 treatments include chemical medicines, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and biologics, but effective targeted drugs remain limited.
• SARS-CoV-2 utilizes its spike (S) proteins for cell entry, making S protein-targeting strategies a key research focus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and classify reported neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To analyze the binding epitope regions (RBD and NTD) of these neutralizing antibodies.
• To discuss the mechanisms of action for representative antibodies within each category.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies.
• Classification of antibodies based on their binding epitopes within the S protein (RBD/NTD).
• In-depth discussion of the neutralization mechanisms of selected antibodies.

Main Results:

• Identification and categorization of various neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2.
• Understanding of antibody binding sites (RBD/NTD) and their correlation with neutralizing activity.
• Insights into the mechanisms by which different antibodies inhibit viral infection.

Conclusions:

• Neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 S proteins are vital for COVID-19 therapeutic development.
• Classification by epitope provides a framework for understanding antibody function and designing effective therapies.
• This review offers a foundation for developing novel antibody therapies, vaccines, and antibody cocktails against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.