Coronavirus Antibody Treatments Might Prevent COVID-19

Scientists target the spike protein

According to Dr. Tham, researchers are working on identifying antibodies that target the spike protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus for creating special treatments for COVID-19 patients.

“The virus spike protein is the exact protein on the virus that is used to enter human cells,” Tham explained.

Therefore, if antibodies can be used to block those virus spike proteins, they can also be used to block the virus from entering a cell, and block the infection as well, she explained. Dr. Labzin suggests thinking of it as a lock-and-key system.

“If you’re the virus and you’re holding the key in your hand … then an antibody that binds right at your hand is going to be more effective than something that binds to your head,” she continued. Additionally, the best antibodies are the ones that attach to the spike at the same time the protein attached to the ACE-2 receptors, used by the virus to enter cells.

Researchers have used blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients in order to find the most powerful antibodies. Dr. Pham has mentioned a potential antibody treatment that slows down the function of the spike protein and stops it from entering human cells. This treatment was developed by combining several types of antibodies, meant to stop the virus from gaining resistance to any particular antibody.

Also, according to Dr. Pham, you can stop the escape of viral mutations by simply combining two types of antibodies. This method has proven to be very successful in lab tests, but human tests are still needed before it can be available for mass use.

When asked when will the antibody treatment be available for mass use, Dr. Pham replied: “We don’t have a timeframe, because of paramount importance now is to make it as safe and effective as possible,” she said. “If we’re very hopeful then we’re looking at clinical trials early next year.”