Epitope Analysis of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies

Coronavirus disease 2019 is threatening thousands of millions of people around the world.In the absence of specific and highly effective medicines,the treatment of infected persons is still very challenging.As therapeutics,neutralizing antibodies(NAbs)have great potential.Many NAbs have been reported,and most target various regions on the receptor-binding domain of the spike(S)protein,or the N-terminal domain.Several NAbs and NAb cocktails have been authorized for emergency use,and more arc in clinical trials or are under development.In this review,considering the angle of binding epitopes on the S protein,we summarize the functions and the underlying mechanisms of a set of well-recognized NAbs and provide guidance for vaccine design and the combinatorial use of these antibodies.In addition,we review the NAbs and NAb cocktails that have been approved for emergency use and discuss the effectiveness of these NAbs for combating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mutants.

Development of donor specific antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination:What do we know so far?

Vaccination against Coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19)was pivotal to limit spread,morbidity and mortality.Our aim is to find out whether vaccines against COVID-19 lead to an immunological response stimulating the production of de novo donor specific antibodies(DSAs)or increase in mean fluorescence intensity(MFI)of pre-existing DSAs in kidney transplant recipients(KTRs).This study involved a detailed literature search through December 2nd,2023 using PubMed as the primary database.The search strategy incorporated a combination of relevant Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords:"COVID-19","SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination","Kidney,Renal Transplant",and"Donor specific antibodies".The results from related studies were collated and analyzed.A total of 6 studies were identified,encompassing 460 KTRs vaccinated against COVID-19.Immunological responses were detected in 8 KTRs of which 5 had increased MFIs,1 had de novo DSA,and 2 were categorized as either having de novo DSA or increased MFI.There were 48 KTRs with pre-existing DSAs prior to vaccination,but one study(Massa et al)did not report whether pre-existing DSAs were associated with post vaccination outcomes.Of the remaining 5 studies,35 KTRs with pre-existing DSAs were identified of which 7 KTRs(20%)developed de novo DSAs or increased MFIs.Overall,no immunological response was detected in 452(98.3%)KTRs.Our study affirms prior reports that COVID-19 vaccination is safe for KTRs,especially if there are no pre-existing DSAs.However,if KTRs have pre-existing DSAs,then an increased immunological risk may be present.These findings need to be taken cautiously as they are based on a limited number of patients so further studies are still needed for confirmation.

Neutralizing Antibody Responses against Five SARS-CoV-2 Variants and T Lymphocyte Change after Vaccine Breakthrough Infections from the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 Variant in Tianjin, China: A Prospective Study

Objective To investigate whether Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection after receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine could create a strong immunity barrier.Methods Blood samples were collected at two different time points from 124 Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infected patients and 124 controls matched for age,gender,and vaccination profile.Live virus-neutralizing antibodies against five SARS-CoV-2 variants,including WT,Gamma,Beta,Delta,and Omicron BA.1,and T-lymphocyte lymphocyte counts in both groups were measured and statistically analyzed.Results The neutralizing antibody titers against five different variants of SARS-CoV-2 were significantly increased in the vaccinated population infected with the Omicron BA.1 variant at 3 months after infection,but mainly increased the antibody level against the WT strain,and the antibody against the Omicron strain was the lowest.The neutralizing antibody level decreased rapidly 6 months after infection.The T-lymphocyte cell counts of patients with mild and moderate disease recovered at 3 months and completely returned to the normal state at 6 months.Conclusion Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection mainly evoked humoral immune memory in the original strain after vaccination and hardly produced neutralizing antibodies specific to Omicron BA.1.Neutralizing antibodies against the different strains declined rapidly and showed features similar to those of influenza.Thus,T-lymphocytes may play an important role in recovery.

A SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody discovery by single cell sequencing and molecular modeling

Although vaccines have been developed,mutations of SARS-CoV-2,especially the dominant B.1.617.2(delta)and B.1.529(omicron)strains with more than 30 mutations on their spike protein,have caused a significant decline in prophylaxis,calling for the need for drug improvement.Antibodies are drugs preferentially used in infectious diseases and are easy to get from immunized organisms.The current study combined molecular modeling and single memory B cell sequencing to assess candidate sequences before experiments,providing a strategy for the fabrication of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies.A total of 128 sequences were obtained after sequencing 196 memory B cells,and 42 sequences were left after merging extremely similar ones and discarding incomplete ones,followed by homology modeling of the antibody variable region.Thirteen candidate sequences were expressed,of which three were tested positive for receptor binding domain recognition but only one was confirmed as having broad neutralization against several SARS-CoV-2 variants.The current study successfully obtained a SARS-CoV-2 antibody with broad neutralizing abilities and provided a strategy for antibody development in emerging infectious diseases using single memory B cell BCR sequencing and computer assistance in antibody fabrication.

Cross-species recognition of bat coronavirus RsYN04 and cross-reaction of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the virus

Following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),several severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)-related coronaviruses have been discovered.Previous research has identified a novel lineage of SARS-CoV-2-related CoVs in bats,including RsYN04,which recognizes human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)and thus poses a potential threat to humans.Here,we screened the binding of the RsYN04receptor-binding domain(RBD)to ACE2 orthologs from 52animal species and found that the virus showed a narrower ACE2-binding spectrum than SARS-CoV-2.However,the presence of the T484W mutation in the RsYN04 RBD broadened its range.We also evaluated 44 SARS-CoV-2antibodies targeting seven epitope communities in the SARS-CoV-2 RBD,together with serum obtained from COVID-19 convalescents and vaccinees,to determine their cross-reaction against RsYN04.Results showed that no antibodies,except for the RBD-6 and RBD-7 classes,bound to the RsYN04 RBD,indicating substantial immune differences from SARS-CoV-2.Furthermore,the structure of the RsYN04 RBD in complex with cross-reactive antibody S43 in RBD-7 revealed a potently broad epitope for the development of therapeutics and vaccines.Our findings suggest RsYN04 and other viruses belonging to the same clade have the potential to infect several species,including humans,highlighting the necessity for viral surveillance and development of broad anticoronavirus countermeasures.

重组SARS-CoV-2 Omicron变异株S1蛋白的表达及免疫原性评价

目的构建表达新型冠状病毒(SARS-CoV-2)Omicron BA.1变异株S1蛋白的真核表达载体,在CHO-K1细胞中进行表达,评价其免疫原性,并对佐剂和抗原剂量进行研究。方法构建重组质粒UCOE-Omi-S1,转染至CHO-K1工程细胞中进行表达和纯化,通过SDS-PAGE和Western blot法实验鉴定重组S1蛋白。将BALB/c小鼠随机分为12组,即PBS组,无佐剂组(高、中、低剂量组),铝盐佐剂对照组,MF59佐剂对照组,铝盐佐剂实验组(高、中、低剂量组),MF59佐剂实验组(高、中、低剂量组),将按照分组要求配比的溶液经小鼠肌内注射3次,间隔14天,每2周尾静脉采血,末次免疫30天后取血分离血清,酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测血清抗体水平,并和SARS-CoV-2原型株的假病毒和SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1变异株的假病毒进行假病毒中和实验。结果目的蛋白在CHO-K1工程细胞表达后可分泌到培养上清中,在相对分子质量约为70kDa处可见1条特异性蛋白表达条带,经Western blot法鉴定为Omi-S1蛋白。铝盐佐剂组和MF59佐剂组免疫诱导效果优于无佐剂组,铝盐佐剂组和MF59佐剂组免疫诱导效果相差不大,但MF59佐剂起效快;高、中、低剂量组的免疫诱导效果在第8周相差不大,但高剂量组起效快。假病毒中和实验表明,MF59佐剂实验组针对Omicron变异株的中和抗体水平高于铝盐佐剂组。结论本研究所构建的Omicron S1重组蛋白免疫原性良好,在小鼠体内产生了良好的体液免疫应答,并诱导高水平的对抗SARS-CoV-2假病毒的中和抗体,对佐剂和抗原剂量初步研究,结果显示,10μg以下抗原剂量搭配MF59佐剂可获得较好的免疫效果。本研究为SARS-CoV-2变异株的重组蛋白疫苗的研制提供了实验基础。

SARS-CoV-2广谱中和抗体性质鉴定

目的:对严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(SARS-CoV-2)广谱中和抗体XMA09进行性质鉴定,探究其广谱中和突变株的潜在机制,为SARS-CoV-2的疫苗设计与广谱中和抗体筛选提供参考。方法:通过ExpiCHO真核表达系统与Protein A层析柱表达纯化XMA09蛋白;冷冻电镜技术确定XMA09识别的受体结构域(RBD)上的关键氨基酸位点;间接ELISA与表面等离子共振(SPR)技术检测XMA09对SARS-CoV-2及其突变株Spike蛋白的亲和力;采用基于水疱性口炎病毒(VSV)的假病毒系统检测XMA09对SARS-CoV-2野生型及突变株的中和能力。结果:本研究发现XMA09识别的表位较为保守,对多种突变株Spike蛋白均具有强结合能力,能广谱中和关切突变株(VOCs),包括广泛流行的Omicron亚突变株BA.4/5。结论:XMA09是SARS-CoV-2广谱中和抗体,具有作为SARS-CoV-2治疗性抗体的潜力,并可为SARS-CoV-2的广谱疫苗设计与抗体药物开发提供参考意义。

用于中和抗体评价和进入抑制剂筛选的多变异株SARS-CoV-2假病毒体系构建与评估

目的:构建一种高滴度SARS-CoV-2假病毒(PsV)体系,用于中和抗体体外评价与病毒进入抑制剂的筛选。方法:共转染慢病毒载体质粒psPAX2、pCDH-Luc与SARS-CoV-2 Spike(S)蛋白表达质粒,收获的假病毒上清感染ACE2-293T细胞。通过测定p24蛋白含量反映PsV滴度,Western blot检测S蛋白在PsV中的表达。利用原始株、D614G、Gamma、Delta、Omicron PsV亚型对1株S蛋白单克隆抗体的中和能力进行评价。采用两种已报道的病毒进入抑制剂氯喹、角叉菜胶检测对Omicron PsV进入的影响。结果:慢病毒载体成功掺入了S蛋白,Western blot结果显示665Y位突变的S蛋白表现出与野生型全长S蛋白(180 kD)不同的切割形式(90 kD)。三质粒体系包装出的PsV滴度更高,S蛋白表达质粒、转移质粒与包装质粒比例在1∶3∶3时为原始株PsV包装的最佳条件。该条件下包装出的5种PsV滴度均在20 ng/ml以上。PsV可有效感染ACE2-293T细胞,双报告基因GFP与萤火虫荧光素酶表达明显,化学发光数值高达106。基于原始株S蛋白的单克隆抗体可有效中和原始株PsV,对原始株PsV的中和作用是对变异株PsV的10~30倍。病毒进入抑制剂氯喹与ι-角叉菜胶可显著抑制Omicron PsV进入宿主细胞。结论:成功构建了高滴度的SARS-CoV-2 PsV进入体系,该体系以荧光素酶报告基因为指示,包含原始株和D614G、PsV Gamma、Delta、Omicron 4种变异株PsV,可有效评价中和抗体与病毒进入抑制剂活性,区分二者对不同变异株的敏感性差异对抗SARS-CoV-2药物研发有重要意义。

Recent Developments in SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Detection Methods

The ongoing Coronavirus disease 19 pandemic has likely changed the world in ways not seen in the past.Neutralizing antibody(NAb)assays play an important role in the management of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)outbreak.Using these tools,we can assess the presence and duration of antibody-mediated protection in naturally infected individuals,screen convalescent plasma preparations for donation,test the efficacy of immunotherapy,and analyze NAb titers and persistence after vaccination to predict vaccine-induced protective effects.This review briefly summarizes the various methods used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 NAbs and compares their advantages and disadvantages to facilitate their development and clinical application.

An unusual COVID-19 case with over four months of viral shedding in the presence of low neutralizing antibodies: a case report

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is a global public health crisis,causing social and economic disasters in many countries.In China,two-consecutive negative results of nucleic acid tests for SARS-CoV-2 from the respiratory samples are required to end the quarantine of COVID-19 patients.However,clinicians face a dilemma in case of patients with long-term viral shedding.This report described an unusual COVID-19 case who had persistent viral RNA positivity for more than 4 months after initial illness in the presence of low neutralizing antibodies,but without prolonged clinical symptoms.Multiple anti-viral drug treatments had no impact and there was no evidence of re-infection.When the patient was self-quarantined at home,no infection occurred to the three family members living with her for 15 to 19 days.Sputum viral culture in BSL-3 laboratory on the 102nd day after symptom onset was negative.From the 129th day on,8 continuous nucleic acid tests of sputum samples showed negative results.The patient was discharged on 137th days since symptom onset.In conclusion,viral RNA shedding in the sputum of the COVID-19 patient may last over 4 months.As no evidence shows the existence of infectious virus,two-consecutive negative nucleic acid tests may not be the prerequisite for ending quarantine of COVID-19 patients with prolonged viral shedding.

Symptomatic and Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Follow-up of Neutralizing Antibody Levels

Objective To investigate neutralizing antibody levels in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)at 6 and 10 months after disease onset.Methods Blood samples were collected at three different time points from 27 asymptomatic individuals and 69 symptomatic patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-Co V-2).Virus-neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 in both groups were measured and statistically analyzed.Results The symptomatic and asymptomatic groups had higher neutralizing antibodies at 3 months and 1–2 months post polymerase chain reaction confirmation,respectively.However,neutralizing antibodies in both groups dropped significantly to lower levels at 6 months post-PCR confirmation.Conclusion Continued monitoring of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19 is key to controlling the infection.

SARS-CoV-2 in inflammatory bowel disease population:Antibodies,disease and correlation with therapy

BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend to cease inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)biologic therapy during coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).AIM To investigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)antibody positivity in an IBD cohort,COVID-19 disease severity and to evaluate the correlation with clinical/therapeutic variables.METHODS Prospective observational cohort study.IBD patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG.Data on COVID-19 disease,demographics/therapeutics and clinical features of the IBD population were collected.IgG≥7 was set for SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity.Throat swab was performed in cases of IgG positivity.Correlations between antibody positivity or COVID-19 symptoms and therapeutic/clinical data were assessed.RESULTS In total,103 IBD patients were enrolled.Among them,18.4%had IgG≥7.Multivariate analysis of antibody positivity correlated only with IBD treatment.For IgG≥7,the odds ratio was 1.44 and 0.16 for azathioprine and mesalazine,respectively,vs biologic drugs(P=0.0157 between them).COVID-19 related symptoms were reported in 63%of patients with IgG positivity.All but one patient with COVID-19 symptoms did not require ceasing IBD treatment or hospitalization. IBDtreatment and body mass index correlated with COVID-19 disease development with symptoms.CONCLUSIONThe IBD population does not have a higher risk of severe COVID-19. The relative risk of havingSARS-CoV-2 antibodies and symptoms was higher for patients taking azathioprine, then biologictherapy and lastly mesalazine. None of the patients under biologic therapy developed severeCOVID-19.

Two antibodies show broad,synergistic neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 variants by inducing conformational change within the RBD

Continual evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2)virus has allowed for its gradual evasion of neutralizing antibodies(nAbs)produced in response to natural infection or vaccination.The rapid nature of these changes has incited a need for the development of superior broad nAbs(bnAbs)and/or the rational design of an antibody cocktail that can protect against the mutated virus strain.Here,we report two angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 competing nAbs—8H12 and 3E2—with synergistic neutralization but evaded by some Omicron subvariants.Cryo-electron microscopy reveals the two nAbs synergistic neutralizing virus through a rigorous pairing permitted by rearrangement of the 472-489 loop in the receptor-binding domain to avoid steric clashing.Bispecific antibodies based on these two nAbs tremendously extend the neutralizing breadth and restore neutralization against recent variants including currently dominant XBB.1.5.Together,these findings expand our understanding of the potential strategies for the neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants toward the design of broad-acting antibody therapeutics and vaccines.

Broad strategies for neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronaviruses with monoclonal antibodies

Antibody therapeutics and vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)have been approved in many countries,with most being developed based on the original strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).SARS-CoV-2 has an exceptional ability to mutate under the pressure of host immunity,especially the immune-dominant spike protein of the virus,which is the target of both antibody drugs and vaccines.Given the continuous evolution of the virus and the identification of critical mutation sites,the World Health Organization(WHO)has named 5 variants of concern(VOCs):4 are previously circulating VOCs,and 1 is currently circulating(Omicron).Due to multiple mutations in the spike protein,the recently emerged Omicron and descendent lineages have been shown to have the strongest ability to evade the neutralizing antibody(NAb)effects of current antibody drugs and vaccines.The development and characterization of broadly neutralizing antibodies(bNAbs)will provide broad strategies for the control of the sophisticated virus SARS-CoV-2.In this review,we describe how the virus evolves to escape NAbs and the potential neutralization mechanisms that associated with bNAbs.We also summarize progress in the development of bNAbs against SARS-CoV-2,human coronaviruses(CoVs)and other emerging pathogens and highlight their scientific and clinical significance.

靶向SARS-CoV-2受体结合结构域的嵌合抗体表达及功能研究

严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,SARS-CoV-2)感染所致的2019冠状病毒病(coronavirus disease 2019,COVID-19)给人民的生命健康造成了严重的威胁,目前该病毒仍然在广泛传播,针对SARS-CoV-2有效的治疗方法仍有限,因此寻找广谱中和抗体阻断SARS-CoV-2感染具有重要的意义。本文成功表达并纯化了3株靶向SARS-CoV-2的受体结合结构域(receptor-binding domain,RBD)的人鼠嵌合抗体,并且检测了这几株抗体对多种SARS-CoV-2假病毒和活病毒的中和活性。本研究表明这3株抗体能特异性地中和SARS-CoV-2野生型假病毒,IC 50分别为0.03μg/mL、0.06μg/mL、0.03μg/mL。此外,这3株抗体对Alpha株假病毒、Delta株假病毒和Lambda株假病毒也具有广谱中和活性,并可以抑制SARS-CoV-2 Delta株活病毒的复制。机制研究表明,这些抗体可以阻断SARS-CoV-2的S蛋白介导的细胞-细胞融合,且RBD上的K417、E484和N501位点可能是其与这3株抗体结合的关键位点。

抗SARS-CoV-2相关线性表位抗体诱发小鼠神经炎性反应

目的评价已知的SARS-CoV-2刺突蛋白线性抗原表位相关非病毒中和抗体的潜在生物学功能。方法根据报道优选出COVID-19患者中响应频率最高、抗体存留时间最长的线性抗原表位S2-78为研究对象。用血蓝蛋白偶联的S2-78多肽(KLH-S2-78)免疫小鼠后,对其血清中的anti-S2-78 IgG抗体水平、小鼠行为学表型和大脑中小胶质细胞数量密度进行检测。结果KLH-S2-78免疫小鼠外周血中出现高滴度的anti-S2-78 IgG抗体(最高滴度为25600,A_(450)=0.3055),呈现为感觉运动门控缺陷、嗅觉功能受损和自发活动能力受损的精神病样行为学表型,大脑前额叶皮质和海马体中小胶质细胞数量密度显著增加(P<0.05),处于中枢炎性反应应激状态。结论Anti-S2-78 IgG抗体有可能通过激发机体的炎性反应导致大脑神经炎性损伤。

计算机模拟技术在SARS-CoV-2病毒分子机制研究中的应用

由新型冠状病毒(SARS-CoV-2)引发的严重急性呼吸系统综合症到目前为止仍然是影响人类健康的重要问题,病毒突变体的不断出现给药物治疗以及疫苗设计带来了严重的挑战。因此,对于新冠病毒生命周期的分子机制及其突变逃逸机制的研究十分重要。包括分子动力学模拟在内的计算机模拟方法在病毒机制研究方面得到了广泛的应用,故对近年来模拟技术在SARS-CoV-2病毒研究方面的发展状况进行调查,特别探究了分子动力学模拟在刺突蛋白(S蛋白)及其突变体和ACE2以及中和抗体的结合中的应用。

Clinical application of SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection and monoclonal antibody therapies against COVID-19

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical application of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)specific antibody detection and anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific monoclonal antibodies(mAbs)in the treatment of coronavirus infectious disease 2019(COVID-19).The dynamic changes of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies during COVID-19 were studied.Immunoglobulin M(IgM)appeared earlier and lasted for a short time,while immunoglobulin G(IgG)appeared later and lasted longer.IgM tests can be used for early diagnosis of COVID-19,and IgG tests can be used for late diagnosis of COVID-19 and identification of asymptomatic infected persons.The combination of antibody testing and nucleic acid testing,which complement each other,can improve the diagnosis rate of COVID-19.Monoclonal anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies can be used to treat hospitalized severe and critically ill patients and non-hospitalized mild to moderate COVID-19 patients.COVID-19 convalescent plasma,highly concentrated immunoglobulin,and anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific mAbs are examples of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody products.Due to the continuous emergence of mutated strains of the novel coronavirus,especially omicron,its immune escape ability and infectivity are enhanced,making the effects of authorized products reduced or invalid.Therefore,the optimal application of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody products(especially anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific mAbs)is more effective in the treatment of COVID-19 and more conducive to patient recovery.

Hybridoma-derived neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against Beta and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 in vivo

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies(mAb)are a major therapeutic strategy for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.The continuous emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants worldwide has increased the urgency for the development of new mAbs.In this study,we immunized mice with the receptor-binding domain(RBD)of the SARS-CoV-2 prototypic strain(WIV04)and screened 35 RBDspecific mAbs using hybridoma technology.Results of the plaque reduction neutralization test showed that 25 of the mAbs neutralized authentic WIV04 strain infection.The 25 mAbs were divided into three categories based on the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results.A representative mAb was selected from each category(RD4,RD10,and RD14)to determine the binding kinetics and median inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))of WIV04 and two variants of concern(VOC):B.1.351(Beta)and B.1.617.2(Delta).RD4 neutralized the B.1.617.2 variant with an IC50 of 2.67 ng/mL;however,it completely lost neutralizing activity against the B.1.351 variant.RD10 neutralized both variants with an IC50 exceeding 100 ng/mL;whereas RD14 neutralized two variants with a higher IC50(>1 mg/mL).Animal experiments were performed to evaluate the protective effects of RD4 and RD10 against various VOC infections.RD4 could protect Adv-hACE2 transduced mice from B.1.617.2 infection at an antibody concentration of 25 mg/kg,while RD10 could protect mice from B.1.351 infection at an antibody concentration of 75 mg/kg.These results highlight the potential for future modifications of the mAbs for practical use.

SARS⁃CoV⁃2免疫逃逸NTD中和抗体的分子机制

针对严重急性呼吸综合征冠状病毒2(Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,SARS-CoV-2)中和抗体的开发,主要针对SARS-CoV-2表面的刺突(Spike,S)蛋白。大多数中和SARS-CoV-2的单克隆抗体(MAbs)可结合S蛋白的受体结合结构域(receptor-binding domain,RBD),从而阻断病毒与血管紧张素转化酶2(Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2,ACE2)的相互作用。作者早期通过SARS-CoV-2原型株S蛋白免疫小鼠,筛选得到S2G4,S2H5,S4D4,S5B84株与S蛋白氮末端结构域(N-terminal domain,NTD)不同表位结合的单克隆抗体,其中S2H5活病毒中和能力最强。本研究利用冷冻电镜技术解析了S2H5的抗原结合片段(Fab)结合SARS-CoV-2原型株S蛋白复合体的结构,共获得六种构象,其中S2H5 Fab结合在S蛋白的NTD上,结构模拟完整S2H5抗体结合S蛋白可以空间上阻碍S蛋白与ACE2相互作用,揭示了S2H5中和SARS-CoV-2原型株的结构基础。此外,作者应用假病毒中和实验,分析了上述四种抗体对SARS-CoV-2多种突变株的中和能力,显示了其突变株对NTD抗体的免疫逃逸,并从结构生物学角度对各突变株表现出的免疫逃逸提供了可能的解释。