Scientists announce creation of powerful new antibody that neutralizes all variants of SARS-CoV-2

In a recent paper published in Science Immunology, researchers described a mouse model used to create a recombinant antibody based on VH1-2 heavy chain (HC) and Vκ1-33 light chain (LC) that broadly neutralized all variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, including the newly emerging "omicron" strain subviant, BA.5.

The study reports a broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody developed using a humanized mouse model carrying separate segments of VH1-2 heavy chain (HC) and Vκ1-33 light chain (LC). The SP1-77 antibody differs from previous monoclonal antibodies in the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition as well as in the epitope (specific part of the antigen to which the antibody binds) of RBD (receptor-binding domain, the protein structure responsible for COVID-19 penetration into the body - ed.) binding.

The unconventional neutralization mechanism demonstrated by SP1-77 may also affect vaccination strategies against recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Overall, this study provided a successful prototype for the use of humanized mouse models carrying VH and Vκ segments to generate a variety of antibodies and demonstrated the potential of using mouse models to develop humanized antibodies against various pathogens.

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter