| First Author | Du W | Year | 2022 |
| Journal | bioRxiv | Mgi Jnum | J:321890 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:7256372 | Doi | 10.1101/2022.02.17.480751 |
| Citation | Du W, et al. (2022) An ACE2-blocking antibody confers broad neutralization and protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. bioRxiv |
| abstractText | The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in the emergence of Omicron, which displays striking immune escape potential. Many of its mutations localize to the spike protein ACE2 receptor-binding domain, annulling the neutralizing activity of most therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Here we describe a receptor-blocking human monoclonal antibody, 87G7, that retains ultrapotent neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 variants including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron (BA.1/BA.2) Variants-of-Concern (VOCs). Structural analysis reveals that 87G7 targets a patch of hydrophobic residues in the ACE2-binding site that are highly conserved in SARS-CoV-2 variants, explaining its broad neutralization capacity. 87G7 protects mice and/or hamsters against challenge with all current SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Our findings may aid the development of sustainable antibody-based strategies against COVID-19 that are more resilient to SARS-CoV-2 antigenic diversity. One sentence summary: A human monoclonal antibody confers broad neutralization and protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants |
