Researchers have identified highly effective SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus antibodies and are now pursuing a passive COVID-19 vaccine. They also discovered that certain SARS-CoV-2 antibodies bind to tissue samples from different organs in this process, which could potentially cause unintended side effects. As crystallographic analysis shows, the so-called neutralizing antibodies bind to the virus and thus prevent the pathogen from entering cells and reproducing.

Scientists at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin isolated nearly 600 distinct antibodies, caused by SARS-CoV-2 disease, from the blood of individuals who had resolved COVID-19. An analysis published in the journal Cell also indicates that certain antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 bind to tissue samples from different organs, which can cause undesired side effects.

They were able to reduce this number down to a few antibodies through laboratory experiments, which were especially successful at binding to the virus. Using cell cultures, the researchers then artificially generated these antibodies. As crystallographic analysis shows, the so-called neutralizing antibodies bind to the virus and thus prevent the pathogen from entering cells and reproducing, they said. In reality, virus identification by antibodies allows immune cells to remove the pathogen. Hamster tests, which like humans, are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrated the high efficacy of the antibodies selected.

The researchers noted that it has a long tradition of treating infectious diseases with antibodies. This method is also being tested for COVID-19 by administering plasma obtained from the blood of recovered patients. With the plasma, donor antibodies are transferred, they said In addition to the care of patients, a possible use is also preventive protection to healthy people who have had contact with infected people. The researchers said that in clinical trials, how long the safety lasts would have to be investigated. The researchers said that in clinical trials, how long the safety lasts would have to be investigated.

passive COVID-19 vaccine