Engineered Dual-Function Antibody-Like Proteins to Combat SARS-CoV-2-Induced Immune Dysregulation and Inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Complement dysregulation and immune hyperactivation are pivotal factors contributing to the mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Engineered Antibody-like proteins (ALPs) targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are engineered to address immune dysregulation in COVID-19. In this study, Lectifitin-36 and Lectifitin-41, two such ALPs, are developed using cDNA display technology. These ALPs demonstrate strong binding affinity for the spike protein and effectively inhibit its interaction with ACE2 and several C-type lectins, including MBL, DC-SIGN, and L-SIGN. Both in vitro and in vivo analyses reveal that Lectifitin-36 and Lectifitin-41 suppress complement activation via the lectin pathway, reduce neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, and attenuate hyper-inflammatory response

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12499391 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature