Background: Cross-reactivity against human coronaviruses with Flebogamma® DIF and Gamunex®-C, two available intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), has been reported. In this study, these IVIG were tested for neutralization activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV). Materials & methods: Neutralization capacity of lots of IVIG manufactured prior to COVID-19 pandemic was assessed against these viruses in cell culture. Infectivity neutralization was quantified by percent reduction in plaque-forming units and/or cytopathic/cytotoxic methods. Results: All IVIG preparations showed neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 isolates. All IVIG lots produced neutralization of SARS-CoV. No IVIG preparation showed significant neutralizing activity against MERS-CoV. Conclusion: The tested IVIG contain antibodies with significant in vitro cross-neutralization capacity against SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, but not MERS-CoV. These preparations are currently under evaluation as potential therapies for COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19; MERS-CoV; SARS-CoV; SARS-CoV-2; cross-neutralization; intravenous immunoglobulin.