European scientists found a breakthrough antibody in the fight against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Known as 47D11, the antibody "targets the deadly virus's infamous 'spike protein', which it uses to hook onto cells and insert its genetic material," according to the Daily Mail.
The scientists tested 47D11 on rats, which neutralized the virus when the antibody binded to the protein and prevented it from hooking on.
Mice and men
The scientists engineered mice to carry human genes. They were then injected with coronaviruses, including SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Dr. Bosch and his team then isolated 51 neutralizing antibodies produced by the cells of the mice. One of these was 47D11, which could prevent SARS-CoV-1.
47D11 binds to ACE 2, an enzyme that is also found in SARS-CoV-2. It acts as the "doorway" for COVID-19 to human cells.
Antibodies like 47D11 could be made in the lab. Purifying it from people's blood won't be needed.
However, the Daily Mail said, "injecting people with antibodies is not without risk and it would need to undergo proper clinical trials."
47D11 targets the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.
The first was the novel coronavirus that triggered the 2003 SARS outbreak, while the second was the novel coronavirus that triggered the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both come from the same family of coronaviruses.
According to Prof. Berend-Jan Bosch from the Utrecht University, "This research builds on the work our groups have done in the past on antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV that emerged in 2002/2003."
The researchers were able to identify 47D11 from their collection of SARS-CoV2 antibodies, one that "neutralises infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cultured cells," Prof. Bosch added.
Bats are the reservoirs of coronaviruses both identified and unidentified. This is one of the reasons why the discovery of 47D11 is so important in treating COVID-19.
Dr. Bosch said the antibody's ability to neutralise SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 may potentially mitigate diseases caused by coronaviruses that may emerge in the future.
How COVID-19 takes over the body
According to the Daily Mail, "SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for the illness known as COVID-19, is spread through small respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing."
The Science Times reported these droplets can travel up to 27 feet away after it is expelled, which has even been reported to cling to clothes and hard-to-reach surfaces.
Once SARS-CoV-2 transfers to humans, it will hook onto human cells and insert its genetic material. It will replicate itself and spread in the body.
With 47D11, it has the "potential to alter the course of infection in the infected host, support virus clearance or protect an uninfected individual that is exposed to the virus," said Dr. Bosch.
