SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibody therapies: Recent advances and future challenges

Rev Med Virol. 2023 Sep;33(5):e2464. doi: 10.1002/rmv.2464. Epub 2023 Jun 15.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unparalleled global public health crisis. Despite concerted research endeavours, the repertoire of effective treatment options remains limited. However, neutralising-antibody-based therapies hold promise across an array of practices, encompassing the prophylaxis and management of acute infectious diseases. Presently, numerous investigations into COVID-19-neutralising antibodies are underway around the world, with some studies reaching clinical application stages. The advent of COVID-19-neutralising antibodies signifies the dawn of an innovative and promising strategy for treatment against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Comprehensively, our objective is to amalgamate contemporary understanding concerning antibodies targeting various regions, including receptor-binding domain (RBD), non-RBD, host cell targets, and cross-neutralising antibodies. Furthermore, we critically examine the prevailing scientific literature supporting neutralising antibody-based interventions, and also delve into the functional evaluation of antibodies, with a particular focus on in vitro (vivo) assays. Lastly, we identify and consider several pertinent challenges inherent to the realm of COVID-19-neutralising antibody-based treatments, offering insights into potential future directions for research and development.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; neutralising antibody.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Viral / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants