A group of Chinese scientists report the isolation of two human monoclonal antibodies with the potential to treat and to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections, the causative agent of COVID-19. The work is described in a manuscript made available by Nature Cellular and Molecular Immunology.
The two monoclonal antibodies block binding of the virus to the receptor preventing entry.
Such antibodies hold great promise for treatment as they are expected to prevent the virus spreading from cell to cell. The antibodies are also likely to protect those exposed, especially healthcare workers, from infection at least for a limited time. In both cases, the drugs would be administered intravenously.
Originally published on Forbes (April 23, 2020)
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