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Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 infection and growth by an ACE2-specific monoclonal antibody
1Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and continues to pose a threat to global public health through genetic mutation. In this study, we have found that an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-specific monoclonal antibody at low concentration was able to enhance SARS-CoV-2 infection and growth in cell culture. Strikingly, it promotes SARS-CoV-2 plaque formation, resulting in accurate titration of different SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly the newly emerged Omicron variants, which otherwise cannot be determined by standard plaque assays. Quantification of infectious titers of the newly emerged variants will facilitate the development and evaluation of vaccines and antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Insights
A specific antibody can surprisingly boost SARS-CoV-2 infection and growth in lab cultures. This finding aids in accurately titrating new Omicron variants for vaccine and antiviral drug development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is exacerbated by viral genetic mutations.
- Accurate quantification of infectious viral titers is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-specific monoclonal antibody on SARS-CoV-2 infection and growth.
- To establish a reliable method for titrating emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing cell culture models to assess SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication.
- Employing a specific monoclonal antibody targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 at low concentrations.
- Comparing plaque formation and titration results with standard plaque assays.
Main Results:
- Low concentrations of the ACE2-specific monoclonal antibody enhanced SARS-CoV-2 infection and growth in cell culture.
- The antibody promoted SARS-CoV-2 plaque formation, enabling accurate titration of various variants.
- This method proved effective for newly emerged Omicron variants, which are challenging for standard assays.
Conclusions:
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting ACE2 can enhance SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in vitro.
- This enhanced plaque formation assay provides a vital tool for quantifying infectious titers of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Accurate variant quantification is essential for accelerating the development and evaluation of vaccines and antiviral therapies against SARS-CoV-2.
