Bifunctional molecules targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike and the polymeric Ig receptor display neutralization activity and mucosal enrichment.

ABSTRACT: The global health crisis and economic tolls of COVID-19 necessitate a panoply of strategies to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. To date, few treatment options exist, although neutralizing antibodies against the spike glycoprotein have proven to be effective. Because infection is initiated at the mucosa and propagates mainly at this site throughout the course of the disease, blocking the virus at the mucosal milieu should be effective. However, administration of biologics to the mucosa presents a substantial challenge. Here, we describe bifunctional molecules combining single-domain variable regions that bind to the polymeric Ig receptor (pIgR) and to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein via addition of the ACE2 extracellular domain (ECD). The hypothesis behind this design is that pIgR will transport th

SUBMITTER: White I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8547864 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature