Scientists were able to create a monoclonal antibody that may be effective in the fight against coronavirus.
As reported in Nature Communications, we are talking about synthesized German and Dutch researchers from Utrecht University experimental antibody, neutralizing not only SARS-CoV-2, which is the causative agent of COVID-19, but other virus SARS-CoV. Moreover, the synthesized antibody acts similarly to proteins produced by the human immune system. Acting on the protein spikes of the virus, it also prevents its penetration into the cell.
“here, We report human monoclonal antibody which neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 (and SARS-CoV) in cell culture. This is a cross-neutralizing antibody is aiming for a common epitope of these viruses and may provide the potential for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19”, – says the publication.
In their experiments, scientists tested their development on genetically modified mice and got positive results. But in order to use a synthesized antibody for the treatment of humans, it is required to modify and run additional experiments.
“Monoclonal antibodies that target vulnerable areas of the viral surface proteins are increasingly recognized as a promising class of drugs against infectious diseases and indicate therapeutic efficacy for a number of viruses,” the authors of the study.
