Monoclonal antibodies against human TMPRSS2 prevent infection by any SARS-CoV-2 variant.

ABSTRACT: The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) plays a critical role in SARS-CoV-2 infection by priming the viral Spike (S) protein for host cell entry and thus represents a potential target for COVID-19 therapy. Here monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human TMPRSS2 were established for therapeutic application. In vitro infection by SARS-CoV-2 of cell lines and human lung organoids was strongly inhibited by the TMPRSS2 mAbs. These mAbs inhibited infection of all SARS-CoV-2 variants tested including omicron. mAbs recognized epitopes different from the enzymatic active site and did not inhibit protease activity, suggesting blockade of steric interactions of S protein-ACE2/TMPRSS2. The inhibitory activity of the mAbs in vivo was examined in human ACE2/TMPRSS2-doub

SUBMITTER: Harada M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12696409 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature