An unusual, potent antibody to SARS-CoV-2 variants is isolated from a recovered patient

[bennevisplace]

Given time, ongoing mutation of the SARS-COV2 virus is likely to produce a super-lineage, at least as transmissible as the Delta variant and more resistant to current vaccines and monoclonal antibodies aimed at different targets in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein. A variety of candidate antibody therapeutics, insensitive to mutations found in major variants, may prove critical in the fight against COVID-19.

This paper cell.com/cell-reports/pdf/S... describes one such candidate antibody. It is highly technical. I don't know whether there is anything new in the technology, but the results should encourage others to prospect for therapeutic antibodies in the serum of recovered Covid patients.

"Here, we report a panel of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies... from an individual who recovered from COVID-19. Of these antibodies, 54042-4 shows potent neutralization against authentic SARS-CoV-2 viruses, including variants of concern (VOCs). A cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of 54042-4 in complex with the SARS-CoV-2 spike reveals an epitope composed of residues that are highly conserved in currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Further, 54042-4 possesses uncommon genetic and structural characteristics that distinguish it from other potently neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Together, these findings provide motivation for the development of 54042-4 as a lead candidate to counteract current and future SARS-CoV-2 VOCs".

[Justasheet1]

If they can get out in front of this virus instead of chasing it we’ll be in much better shape for sure.

[michaeledward in reply to Justasheet1]

". . . they . . . ?

[Justasheet1 in reply to michaeledward]

The scientists.

[michaeledward in reply to Justasheet1]

OK. Just wondering though how much more "out in front" the scientists needed to be than developing, producing, and administering a vaccine within 12 months of the onset of the covid-19 pandemic. Myself, I blame certain very well know politicians who made the pandemic and mask wearing, for example, a political issue.

[Justasheet1 in reply to michaeledward]

I’m not assigning blame; it was just an observation of mine, that’s all.

[gardening-girl]

Thanks for this link! The 54042-4 monoclonal discussed in this paper was discovered by the same group at Vanderbilt University that isolated COV2-2196 and COV2-2130 which have since been engineered to be long-acting IgG molecules designated as AZD8895 and AZD1061, respectively, and since have been given new names: AZD8895/tixagevimab and AZD1061/cilgavimab.

These comprise the AZD7442 which has been discussed a number of times in this forum after an introduction by you about a year ago:

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Here is a link to a recent paper about the monoclonals that comprise AZD7442

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/345...

Now I wonder what 54042-4 will be called in the future. 😩

[bennevisplace in reply to gardening-girl]

Thanks for your insights g-g,

This research team has certainly been productive! I see there's also a link to the full text, no paywall.

Given the current market for mAb treatments I wonder when 54042-4 will get developed, and as a cocktail ingredient or taken straight?

[bennevisplace in reply to gardening-girl]

We're overdue a palyndromic name. I vote for Bamimomimab, the mother of all treatments.

[Phil4-13]

bennevisplace, this sounds so "science fiction". It is ongoing for our science to at least keep up! Makes me think about the 1950's movie, "The Blob"!!! Creeepy!!!I'm keeping my prayers rolling to beat down this mutating virus. 🙂Sandra

[bennevisplace in reply to Phil4-13]

I don't know if you looked at the amazing graphics in that paper. Yes the microscopic world is so unfamiliar to most of us it's more like sci-fi than reality. Animations like thisyoutu.be/Rpj0emEGShQ(Not working as expected?) could have been made by George Lucas.