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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Multicolor Flow Cytometry Analyses of Cellular Immune Response in Rhesus Macaques
Published on: April 22, 2010
Monoclonal antibodies protect aged rhesus macaques from SARS-CoV-2-induced immune activation and neuroinflammation
Anil Verma1, Chase E Hawes2, Yashavanth Shaan Lakshmanappa1
1Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Abstract:
Anti-viral monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments may provide immediate but short-term immunity from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in high-risk populations, such as people with diabetes and the elderly; however, data on their efficacy in these populations are limited. We demonstrate that prophylactic mAb treatment blocks viral replication in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts in aged, type 2 diabetic rhesus macaques. mAb infusion dramatically curtails severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-mediated stimulation of interferon-induced chemokines and T cell activation, significantly reducing development of interstitial pneumonia. Furthermore, mAb infusion significantly dampens the greater than 3-fold increase in SARS-CoV-2-induced effector CD4 T cell influx into the cerebrospinal fluid. Our data show that neutralizing mAbs administered preventatively to high-risk populations may mitigate the adverse inflammatory consequences of SARS-CoV-2 exposure.
Insights
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments offer short-term COVID-19 protection for high-risk groups. Prophylactic mAb infusion in diabetic macaques reduced viral replication and inflammation, suggesting preventative benefits.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Limited data exist on the efficacy of anti-viral monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments for COVID-19 in high-risk populations like those with diabetes.
- These populations may experience severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of mAb treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in a relevant animal model representing high-risk individuals.
- To assess the impact of mAb treatment on viral replication, immune responses, and lung pathology.
Main Methods:
- Aged, type 2 diabetic rhesus macaques were administered prophylactic mAb treatment.
- Animals were subsequently challenged with SARS-CoV-2.
- Viral replication, immune cell activation (T cells, chemokines), and interstitial pneumonia development were assessed.
Main Results:
- Prophylactic mAb treatment effectively blocked SARS-CoV-2 replication in the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
- mAb infusion significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2-induced chemokine stimulation and T cell activation.
- Treatment curtailed interstitial pneumonia and dampened the influx of CD4 T cells into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Conclusions:
- Preventative administration of neutralizing mAbs can mitigate the adverse inflammatory effects of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in high-risk populations.
- mAb treatment shows potential for providing short-term immunity and reducing disease severity in vulnerable individuals.
