Lessons from the Use of Monoclonal Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Arturo Casadevall, Daniele Focosi
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein were deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. While all of the clinically authorized mAbs were eventually defeated by SARS-CoV-2 variants, they were highly effective in preventing disease progression when given early in the course of the disease. The experience with mAbs to SARS-CoV-2 offers important lessons for the use of mAbs in future infectious disease emergencies, such as choosing mAbs that target conserved epitopes and designing cocktails to reduce the emergence of escape variants. Planning for future use must include the creation of infusion centers and the development of strategies to minimize the emergence of escape variants.
Topics & Concepts
Monoclonal antibodyPandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)VirologySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Epitope2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSpike ProteinDiseaseAntibodyCoronavirusInfectious disease (medical specialty)MedicineImmunologyBiologyOutbreakPathologySARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Researchvaccines and immunoinformatics approachesTransgenic Plants and Applications