Oncology-Inspired Treatment Options for COVID-19
Nagavarakishore Pillarsetty, Lukas M. Carter, Jason S. Lewis, Thomas Reiner
Abstract
CR3022 is a human antibody that binds to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we explore the use of CR3022 as a molecularly targeted radiotherapeutic. <b>Methods:</b> CR3022 was labeled with <sup>131</sup>I and purified, yielding <sup>131</sup>I-CR3022. Using a magnetic bead assay and a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein fragment, we tested binding of <sup>131</sup>I-CR3022 in the presence and absence of CR3022. <b>Results:</b> We conjugated the antibody CR3022 with a purity of more than 98% and a specific activity of more than 292 MBq/mg. Using a bead-based assay, we confirmed that binding of <sup>131</sup>I-CR3022 is selective and is significantly reduced in the presence of unlabeled antibody (3.14% ± 0.14% specific uptake and 0.10% ± 0.01% specific uptake, respectively; <i>P</i> < 0.0001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Our results confirm the potential of CR3022 as a molecularly targeted probe for SARS-CoV-2. A labeled version of CR3022 could potentially be used for Auger radiotherapy or noninvasive imaging.