Most people are naturally armed against SARS-CoV-2: study

The majority of the population can produce neutralizing antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a study published on February 11 in the open access journal PLOS pathogens by Michael Mor of Tel Aviv University and colleagues. Additionally, the findings support the use of combination antibody therapy to prevent and treat COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a profound impact on global public health. Neutralizing antibodies that specifically target the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are believed to be essential for controlling the virus. RBD-specific neutralizing antibodies have been detected in recovering patients – those who have recovered from COVID-19. Some of the recovered tend to have robust and long-lasting immunity, while others display a decline in their neutralizing antibodies. The factors associated with an effective and sustainable antibody response are still unclear.

To fill this knowledge gap, Mor and his colleagues used molecular and bioinformatics techniques to compare B-cell responses in eight patients with severe COVID-19 and 10 individuals with mild symptoms, 1.5 months after the disease. infection. Very sick patients showed higher concentrations of RBD-specific antibodies and increased B-cell expansion. Of 22 antibodies cloned from two of these patients, six showed potent neutralization against SARS-CoV -2. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that most people would be able to easily produce neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in severe cases of COVID-19. In addition, combinations of different types of neutralizing antibodies completely blocked the spread of the live virus. According to the authors, these antibody cocktails may be tested further in clinical settings as a useful way to prevent and treat COVID-19.

“Even with a vaccine on our doorstep, it is extremely important to arm clinicians with specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatments,” the authors add. “Combinations of neutralizing antibodies represent a promising approach for the effective and safe treatment of severe cases of COVID-19, especially in the elderly population or those with chronic diseases, who will not be able to produce these antibodies so easily in the course of ‘infection or vaccination. ”