Detect weapons against all corona viruses, including SARS-CoV-2

A research team at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (UNC) and Duke University (USA) have identified an antibody that attacks SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the Covid-19 epidemic.

According to the above study, the DH1047 antibody works to prevent the ability to infect the SARS-CoV-2 virus and attack it after a person is diagnosed with Covid-19.

New antibodies were isolated from the blood of a patient infected with SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in early 2000. The disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-1 virus - a "close relative" of the virus SARS-CoV- 2 - cause. The team also isolated new antibodies from an existing Covid-19 patient.

They obtained more than 1,700 antibodies, including 50 that can bind to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. One of the identified antibodies has a strong cross-linking ability to bind to a wide range of coronaviruses as well as SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2.

New antibodies against all coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. (Photo: The Star).

Study co-author Barton Haynes said the DH1047 antibody binds to the coronavirus at a site that is conserved across many mutations and variants. So it can neutralize a wide range of coronaviruses, including all variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The team tested DH1047 in mice and found it could prevent or minimize infection. Not only does it prevent mice from contracting SARS and Covid-19, this antibody also blocks dangerous variants such as Delta and other animal corona viruses.

"This antibody (DH1047) has the potential to become a treatment for the current pandemic. It is also poised for future outbreaks if or when other coronaviruses pass from a natural animal host to people" - Mr. Haynes expected.

The findings are expected to support a global campaign for a Covid-19 vaccine that is resistant to mutating and protects people from emerging and known coronaviruses. It can even be used to prevent SARS-CoV-3 or SARS-CoV-4 viruses.

The study was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Previously, scientists found two types of antibodies that are effective against some corona viruses that infect humans and animals, but not all, which are DH1235 and DH1073. DH1073 is only effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.