Currently available intravenous immunoglobulin contains antibodies reacting against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antigens

Immunotherapy. 2020 Jun;12(8):571-576. doi: 10.2217/imt-2020-0095. Epub 2020 May 12.

Abstract

Aim: There is a critical need for effective therapies that are immediately available to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. Material & methods: Gamunex®-C and Flebogamma® DIF (Grifols) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products were tested using ELISA techniques for antibodies against several antigens of human common betacoronaviruses that may crossreact with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Results: Both IVIGs showed consistent reactivity to components of the tested viruses. Positive crossreactivity was seen in SARS-CoV, middle east respiratory syndrome-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. For SARS-CoV-2, positive reactivity was observed at IVIG concentrations ranging from 100 μg/ml with Gamunex-C to 1 mg/ml with Flebogamma 5% DIF. Conclusion: Gamunex-C and Flebogamma DIF contain antibodies reacting against SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Studies to confirm the utility of IVIG preparations for COVID-19 management may be warranted.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antibody content; intravenous immunoglobulin.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology*
  • Betacoronavirus / immunology*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / therapy*
  • Cross Reactions / immunology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / blood
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus / immunology
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / therapy*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antigens, Viral
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous