Spike-protein proteolytic antibodies in COVID-19 convalescent plasma contribute to SARS-CoV-2 neutralization.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on previous reports of antibody catalysis, we investigated the proteolysis of spike (S) by antibodies in COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) and its contribution to viral neutralization. Quenched fluorescent peptides were designed based on S epitopes to sensitively detect antibody-mediated proteolysis. We observed epitope cleavage by CCP from different donors which persisted when plasma was heat-treated or when IgG was isolated from plasma. Further, purified CCP antibodies proteolyzed recombinant S domains, as well as authentic viral S. Cleavage of S variants suggests CCP antibody-mediated proteolysis is a durable phenomenon despite antigenic drift. We differe

SUBMITTER: McConnell SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10288624 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature