Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to neutralization by antibodies induced in convalescent patients with COVID-19
Yu Kaku, Takeo Kuwata, Hasan M. Zahid, Takao Hashiguchi, Takeshi Noda, Noriko Kuramoto, Shashwata Biswas, Kaho Matsumoto, Mikiko Shimizu, Yoko Kawanami, Kazuya Shimura, Chiho Onishi, Yukiko Muramoto, Tateki Suzuki, Jiei Sasaki, Yoji Nagasaki, Rumi Minami, Chihiro Motozono, Mako Toyoda, Hiroshi Takahashi, Hiroto Kishi, Kazuhiko Fujii, Tsuneyuki Tatsuke, Terumasa Ikeda, Yosuke Maeda, Takamasa Ueno, Yoshio Koyanagi, Hajime Iwagoe, Shuzo Matsushita
Abstract
) memory B cells. Anti-spike antibody induction is robust in these patients, and five mAbs have potent neutralizing activities. The efficacy of most neutralizing mAbs and convalescent plasma samples is maintained against B.1.1.7 and mink cluster 5 variants but is significantly decreased against variants B.1.351 from South Africa and P.1 from Brazil. However, mAbs with a high affinity for the receptor-binding domain remain effective against these neutralization-resistant variants. Rapid spread of these variants significantly impacts antibody-based therapies and vaccine strategies against SARS-CoV-2.