Breakthrough Discovery: Scientists Uncover Universal Antibodies to Combat Every Known COVID-19 Variant
Breakthrough in COVID-19 Research: Broadly Neutralizing Plasma Antibody S27 Discovered
Patent Application Filed for S27, a Game-Changer in the Fight Against COVID-19
Researchers at the University of Texas have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against COVID-19. According to a recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine, the team has identified a broadly neutralizing plasma antibody called S27, which can neutralize all known variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The discovery was made as part of a new study on hybrid immunity against viruses. The researchers used technology developed over years of studying antibody responses to obtain the exact molecular sequence of the antibody, which opens the possibility of manufacturing it on a larger scale for future treatments. A patent application has been filed for S27.
“The discovery of S27 and other antibodies similar to it in the future could help us better protect the population from current and future COVID variants,” said Dr. Jason Ravinder, who led the study.
Protective antibodies bind to the spike protein, a part of the virus that acts as an anchor point for the virus to attach to cells in the body and infect them. By blocking the spike protein, antibodies prevent this interaction, and thus infection. S27 recognized different features of the spike protein in many COVID variants.
The technique used to isolate the antibodies, called Ig-Seq, combines single-cell DNA sequencing and proteomics, giving researchers a chance to look closely at antibody responses to infection and vaccination.
“One goal of this research, and the goal of vaccinology in general, is to create a universal vaccine that can generate antibodies and produce an immune response with broad protection against a rapidly mutating virus,” said study co-author Dr. Will Boss.
In addition to discovering these antibodies, the researchers also found that hybrid immunization, combining infection and vaccination, provided greater antibody-based protection against future exposure than either infection or vaccination alone.