A team of Chinese scientists has discovered two human monoclonal antibodies that can block COVID-19 infection and can potentially be used for the development of relevant drugs and vaccines, according to a report the team published in Nature.
The protection efficiency of MAbs in hACE2 mice model post infection with COVID-19 virus
The report refers to the two antibodies as B39 and H4. They can neutralize the virus in cell culture and target a shared epitope. Experiments already carried out on mice confirmed the antibodies can reduce the virus load in the lungs and can be mixed to contain the infection.
The team consists of a mix of scientists from several Chinese institutions including the Capital Medical University, the Institute of Microbiology under Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology.
The two antibodies have the potential in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and are already undergoing research and development for potential production in related companies.