Title: Exceptionally Potent Antibodies Discovered to Neutralize All Known Variants of COVID-19, Including Omicron
Subtitle: Researchers believe pan-coronavirus vaccines are possible with the right approach
[City], [State] – In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified highly potent antibodies capable of neutralizing nearly all known variants of the COVID-19 virus, including the newly emerged Omicron variant. These antibodies also exhibit the ability to neutralize other animal coronaviruses that could potentially lead to future outbreaks.
The study, published in Science Advances, details how the researchers isolated antibodies from the blood of a recovered SARS patient who had also been vaccinated against COVID-19. This unique combination of prior coronavirus infection and vaccination generated an exceptional antibody response capable of stopping a wide range of related coronaviruses.
The lack of effective therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for high-risk COVID-19 patients prompted the researchers to conduct this study. Most previously approved antibodies had lost their efficacy against newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants. According to senior author Wang Linfa, a world-renowned bat virus expert with the Duke-NUS Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Programme, the findings of this research provide encouraging evidence that pan-coronavirus vaccines are possible if the human immune system is “educated” in the right way.
The study resulted in the identification of six antibodies that could neutralize multiple coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, as well as the original SARS virus and other animal coronaviruses transmitted from bats and pangolins.
Among these antibodies, a particularly powerful one named E7 demonstrated the ability to neutralize a broad range of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, animal sarbecoviruses, and newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants such as Omicron XBB.1.16. What sets the E7 antibody apart is its unique mechanism of binding that immobilizes the coronavirus spike protein, preventing it from entering cells and causing illness.
Chia Wan Ni, the first author of the study who now works with Singapore start-up CoV Biotechnology, emphasized the exceptional potency and breadth of the E7 antibody, stating that it surpassed any other SARS-related coronavirus antibodies observed. Unlike most other antibodies, E7 maintained its effectiveness even against the latest Omicron subvariants.
These findings open doors for the development of vaccines and drugs that can effectively combat COVID-19 variants and future coronavirus threats. The study highlights the vulnerabilities of coronaviruses and provides guidance for creating a universal coronavirus vaccine.
The E7 antibody’s potential to neutralize future sarbecoviruses positions it as a crucial asset in preventing future pandemics caused by such viruses. The researchers are now planning to further evaluate its potential as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent against existing and future coronaviruses.
Coauthors of the study are affiliated with institutions including the University of Melbourne in Australia, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in the US, and the National University of Singapore.
These latest research findings offer hope in the fight against COVID-19 and the ongoing battle against the evolving virus. With continued efforts and breakthroughs like this, scientists are moving closer to developing effective solutions to combat the pandemic.
Source: Duke-NUS