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Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies using High-Throughput Fluorescent Imaging of Pseudovirus Infection
Published on: June 5, 2021
Broadly neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses
Yanjia Chen1, Xiaoyu Zhao1, Hao Zhou2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a recently emerged pathogenic human coronavirus that belongs to the sarbecovirus lineage of the genus Betacoronavirus. The ancestor strain has evolved into a number of variants of concern, with the Omicron variant of concern now having many distinct sublineages. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has caused serious damage to public health and the global economy, and one strategy to combat COVID-19 has been the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies for prophylactic and therapeutic use. Many are in preclinical and clinical development, and a few have been approved for emergency use. Here we summarize neutralizing antibodies that target four key regions within the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, namely the N-terminal domain and the receptor-binding domain in the S1 subunit, and the stem helix region and the fusion peptide region in the S2 subunit. Understanding the characteristics of these broadly neutralizing antibodies will accelerate the development of new antibody therapeutics and provide guidance for the rational design of next-generation vaccines.
Insights
Broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting key regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein offer a promising strategy against COVID-19. Understanding these antibodies can accelerate new therapeutics and vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, including Omicron, continue to drive the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The pandemic has caused significant global public health and economic damage.
- Broadly neutralizing antibodies are a key strategy for COVID-19 prophylaxis and therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize neutralizing antibodies targeting critical regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
- To provide insights into antibody characteristics for therapeutic and vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
- Analysis of antibodies targeting four key regions of the spike (S) protein: N-terminal domain (NTD), receptor-binding domain (RBD) in S1, stem helix, and fusion peptide in S2.
Main Results:
- Neutralizing antibodies target distinct regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
- Antibodies targeting the NTD, RBD, stem helix, and fusion peptide show potential for broad neutralization.
- Several antibodies are in preclinical and clinical development, with some approved for emergency use.
Conclusions:
- Understanding broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for combating the pandemic.
- This knowledge will accelerate the development of novel antibody therapeutics.
- It will also guide the rational design of next-generation vaccines for improved efficacy.
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