Biosecurity

Scientists Identify SARS-CoV-2-Neutralizing Antibody

A team of researchers from Utrecht University, the Erasmus Medical Center and Harbour BioMed has identified a human monoclonal antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 coronaviruses in cell culture. Named 47D11, this cross-neutralizing antibody targets a communal epitope (antigenic determinant) on these viruses and may offer potential for prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

“This research builds on the work our groups have done in the past on antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-1 that emerged in 2002-2003,” said senior co-author Dr. Berend-Jan Bosch, a scientist in the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences at Utrecht University.

“Using this collection of SARS-CoV-1 antibodies, we identified an antibody that also neutralizes infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells.”

“Such a neutralizing antibody has potential to alter the course of infection in the infected host, support virus clearance or protect an uninfected individual that is exposed to the virus.”

The human 47D11 antibody binds to a domain that is conserved in both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, explaining its ability to neutralize both viruses.