Most people are naturally armed with 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 2019 (COVID-19), according to a study published on February 11 in the access journal open PLOS Pathogens by Michael Mor of Tel Aviv University, and colleagues. In addition, the results support the use of combined 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 SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) are believed to be essential for virus control. Neutralizing antibodies specific to RBD have been detected in convalescent patients – those who have recovered from COVID-19. Some of those recovered tend to have robust and long-lasting immunity, while others exhibit a decrease in their neutralizing antibodies. The factors associated with an effective and durable antibody response are still unclear.

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

“Even with a vaccine at our doorstep, arming doctors with specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy is extremely important,” add the authors. “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 people with chronic diseases, who will not be able to produce these antibodies as easily after infection or vaccination. ”