[PDF][PDF] Analysis of a SARS-CoV-2-infected individual reveals development of potent neutralizing antibodies with limited somatic mutation

E Seydoux, LJ Homad, AJ MacCamy, KR Parks… - Immunity, 2020 - cell.com
E Seydoux, LJ Homad, AJ MacCamy, KR Parks, NK Hurlburt, MF Jennewein, NR Akins…
Immunity, 2020cell.com
Antibody responses develop following SARS-CoV-2 infection, but little is known about their
epitope specificities, clonality, binding affinities, epitopes, and neutralizing activity. We
isolated B cells specific for the SARS-CoV-2 envelope glycoprotein spike (S) from a COVID-
19-infected subject 21 days after the onset of clinical disease. 45 S-specific monoclonal
antibodies were generated. They had undergone minimal somatic mutation with limited
clonal expansion, and three bound the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Two antibodies …
Summary
Antibody responses develop following SARS-CoV-2 infection, but little is known about their epitope specificities, clonality, binding affinities, epitopes, and neutralizing activity. We isolated B cells specific for the SARS-CoV-2 envelope glycoprotein spike (S) from a COVID-19-infected subject 21 days after the onset of clinical disease. 45 S-specific monoclonal antibodies were generated. They had undergone minimal somatic mutation with limited clonal expansion, and three bound the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Two antibodies neutralized SARS-CoV-2. The most potent antibody bound the RBD and prevented binding to the ACE2 receptor, while the other bound outside the RBD. Thus, most anti-S antibodies that were generated in this patient during the first weeks of COVID-19 infection were non-neutralizing and target epitopes outside the RBD. Antibodies that disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 S-ACE2 interaction can potently neutralize the virus without undergoing extensive maturation. Such antibodies have potential preventive and/or therapeutic potential and can serve as templates for vaccine design.
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