A research team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and Duke University has identified an antibody that attacks SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the study, antibody DH1047 prevents the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to infect and attack a person after they have been diagnosed with Covid-19.
The new antibody was isolated from the blood of a patient infected with SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in early 2000. This disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-1 virus, a close relative of SARS-CoV-2. The research team also isolated the new antibody from a current Covid-19 patient.
They obtained more than 1,700 antibodies, including 50 antibodies that can bind to both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. One of the antibodies identified has a very strong cross-binding ability, capable of attaching to a range of coronaviruses as well as SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2.
The new antibody combats all coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. (Photo: The Star).
Co-author of the study, Barton Haynes, stated that antibody DH1047 binds to the coronavirus at a site conserved through many mutations and variants. Therefore, it can neutralize a wide range of coronaviruses, including all variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The research team tested DH1047 on mice and found that it could prevent or minimize the likelihood of infection. Not only does this antibody prevent mice from contracting SARS and Covid-19, but it also blocks dangerous variants such as Delta and coronaviruses in other animals.
“This antibody (DH1047) has the potential to become a treatment for the current pandemic. It is also ready for future outbreaks if or when other coronaviruses transmit from natural animal hosts to humans,” Haynes expressed with optimism.
The findings are expected to support the global Covid-19 vaccination campaign, providing protection against variants and shielding people from emerging and known coronaviruses. It may even be used to prevent SARS-CoV-3 or SARS-CoV-4 viruses.
The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Previously, scientists discovered two types of antibodies that are effective against certain coronaviruses that infect humans and animals, but not all, namely DH1235 and DH1073. DH1073 is only effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
