Potential for a Plant-Made SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody as a Synergetic Cocktail Component

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a significant global health challenge.
• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the spike (S) protein are effective SARS-CoV-2 treatments, but mammalian cell production is costly.
• Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants necessitate strategies to overcome treatment escape, such as mAb cocktails.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop affordable and efficacious monoclonal antibody (mAb) cocktails against SARS-CoV-2 using plant-based expression systems.
• To assess the potential of plant-made mAbs as components of a neutralizing cocktail against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Main Methods:

• Utilized *Nicotiana benthamiana* plants for high-level expression of two SARS-CoV-2-specific mAbs.
• Confirmed correct assembly of plant-expressed mAbs into functional IgG molecules.
• Evaluated epitope recognition, neutralization of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants, and synergistic effects with other mAbs.

Main Results:

• Two mAbs were highly expressed and correctly assembled into functional IgG molecules in *Nicotiana benthamiana*.
• Plant-derived mAbs demonstrated recognition of target epitopes and potent neutralization of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants.
• One plant-made mAb exhibited synergistic neutralizing activity when combined with hybridoma-derived mAbs.

Conclusions:

• Plant-based production offers a rapid and affordable method for developing effective SARS-CoV-2 mAb cocktails.
• Plant-made mAbs can be a viable component of neutralizing antibody cocktails against emerging viral threats.
• This approach holds promise for cost-effective therapeutic development against future pandemics.