Scientists have discovered a new antibody that can neutralize all known variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as related coronaviruses found in animals.
This groundbreaking discovery, led by a research team at The University of Texas at Austin, could pave the way for better treatments and protection against future COVID variants.
The antibody, called SC27, was identified as part of a study on hybrid immunity, which is the combination of immunity from both infection and vaccination.
Researchers isolated SC27 from a single patient and found that it could recognize and block the spike protein found in various COVID-19 variants.
The spike protein is how the virus attaches to and infects human cells, so by targeting this protein, SC27 helps prevent infection.
Jason Lavinder, one of the lead researchers and an assistant professor at UT Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering, said the discovery of SC27 could help protect people from current and future variants of COVID-19.
“The discovery of SC27, and other antibodies like it in the future, will help us better protect the population against current and future COVID variants,” he explained.
The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, highlighted the use of advanced technology called Ig-Seq to isolate SC27. This technology allows scientists to closely examine how the immune system responds to both infections and vaccines.
It combines single-cell DNA sequencing and proteomics to give researchers a detailed view of antibody responses.
Will Voss, another lead researcher and recent Ph.D. graduate at UT Austin, said that the goal of this research is to eventually create a universal vaccine that could generate broad protection against COVID-19 and other rapidly changing viruses. SC27 could be a significant step toward that goal.
The research also revealed that hybrid immunity offers better protection than vaccination or infection alone. People who have been both vaccinated and infected seem to produce stronger antibodies that provide better protection against future infections.
With the ongoing presence of COVID-19, this discovery comes at a critical time. Although the worst of the pandemic may be behind us, new variants continue to emerge, and innovative solutions like SC27 are still needed.
The researchers have already filed a patent for SC27, opening the door for future developments and potential large-scale manufacturing of the antibody to help treat and prevent COVID-19 in the years to come.
If you care about COVID, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to severe COVID-19, death, and how diets could help manage post-COVID syndrome.
For more health information, please see recent studies about COVID infection and vaccination linked to heart disease, and results showing extracts from two wild plants can inhibit COVID-19 virus.
