Vaccines, convalescent plasma, and monoclonal antibodies for covid-19
Herb F. Sewell, Raymond Agius, Denise Kendrick, Marcia Stewart
Abstract
The devastating pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus appears to be a prime candidate for traditional prevention (vaccines) and passive immunity approaches.Passive immunity, using convalescent plasma from recovered patients or monoclonal antibodies with high levels of neutralising antiviral activity, have potential for both therapy and prevention.Worldwide, many covid-19 vaccines are at various phases of development. 1Trials are also investigating convalescent plasma as a containment option or supportive therapy for patients with covid-19. 2Understandably, there is great public expectation that these efforts will be successful, but caution is necessary with respect to both vaccines and passive immunity.