Scientists create antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in lab

Scientists have created an antibody that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In an article published in the journal "Nature," researchers reported their findings on the monoclonal antibody called 47D11.

The study said it targets the "spikes" which the coronavirus uses to enter host cells and make copies of itself.

"Our data show that 47D11 neutralizes SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 through a yet unknown mechanism that is different from receptor-binding interference," the authors said.

Certain strains of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, the virus that causes the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, have spike proteins which were found to be "structurally very similar" and 77.5 percent identical by primary amino acid sequence.

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A Bloomberg report explained that the researchers used "genetically modified mice to produce different antibodies to the spike proteins of coronaviruses."

They identified those with neutralizing activity through a technique called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The 47D11 emerged as a candidate and was reformatted to a fully human antibody. 

According to the study, 47D11 has the potential to prevent or treat COVID-19 and other diseases caused by viruses from the Sarbecovirus subgenus, where both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV belong.

"Neutralizing antibodies can alter the course of infection in the infected host supporting virus clearance or protect an uninfected host that is exposed to the virus," the study said. —MGP, GMA News