Structural basis for potent antibody neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants including B.1.1.529

Science. 2022 Apr 22;376(6591):eabn8897. doi: 10.1126/science.abn8897. Epub 2022 Apr 22.

Abstract

The rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant and its resistance to neutralization by vaccinee and convalescent sera are driving a search for monoclonal antibodies with potent neutralization. To provide insight into effective neutralization, we determined cryo-electron microscopy structures and evaluated receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies for their ability to bind and neutralize B.1.1.529. Mutations altered 16% of the B.1.1.529 RBD surface, clustered on an RBD ridge overlapping the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-binding surface and reduced binding of most antibodies. Substantial inhibitory activity was retained by select monoclonal antibodies-including A23-58.1, B1-182.1, COV2-2196, S2E12, A19-46.1, S309, and LY-CoV1404-that accommodated these changes and neutralized B.1.1.529. We identified combinations of antibodies with synergistic neutralization. The analysis revealed structural mechanisms for maintenance of potent neutralization against emerging variants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COVID-19 Serotherapy
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • Neutralization Tests
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • COV2-2196
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • bebtelovimab

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants