Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Infection through Blocking Membrane Fusion
Journal
Microbiology Spectrum
Journal Volume
10
Journal Issue
2
Date Issued
2022-04-01
Author(s)
Li, Chia Jung
Chang, Ting Yu
Hsiao, Chia Chun
Lu, De Chao
Chiang, Yi Wei
Lai, Guan Chun
Tsai, Ya Min
Fang, Jun Tung
Ieong, Siman
Abstract
Most of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) targeted the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. However, mutations at RBD sequences found in the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants greatly reduced the effectiveness of nAbs. Here we showed that four nAbs, S2-4D, S2-5D, S2-8D, and S2-4A, which recognized a conserved epitope in the S2 subunit of the S protein, can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection through blocking the S protein-mediated membrane fusion. Notably, these four nAbs exhibited broadly neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon variants. Antisera collected from mice immunized with the identified epitope peptides of these four nAbs also exhibited potent virus neutralizing activity. Discovery of the S2-specific nAbs and their unique antigenic epitopes paves a new path for development of COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines.
Subjects
membrane fusion | neutralizing antibodies | S2 subunit | SARS-CoV-2 | spike (S) protein
SDGs
Publisher
American Society for Microbiology
Type
journal article