The “superantbody” identified by American scientists, which is able to fight different variations of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, will not be a reliable cure for COVID-19. His discovery may be more theoretical than practical. This was stated by experts interviewed by RBC.
Earlier, a group of scientists from the Center for Cancer Research in Seattle (USA) identified an antibody that can fight not only a wide range of SARS-CoV-2 variants, but also closely related coronaviruses.
“This article is important from a COVD-19 immunology perspective, but the practical prospects are hazy. Do not think that a magic pill has been found. This is not true. Perhaps this is a small sensation in science, but not in life, “- said RBC virologist, professor at Moscow State University, Doctor of Biological Sciences Alexei Agranovsky.
He explained that it is impossible to teach the body to produce this antibody on its own. It is not yet clear how to deliver it to human cells. “In theory, it could be used in severe cases with intravenous injections. … We can vaccinate people and cause the formation of neutralizing antibodies, but to achieve, it is impossible to make the body produce this particular antibody, ”Agranovsky considered the prospects.
Konstantin Chumakov, director of the center of the Global Virological Network, WHO adviser, professor at George Washington University, added that there is nothing sensational about the discovery, since specialists already know a number of similar antibodies. Revealed by American scientists, in his opinion, can be used in therapy.
“Find out, discovered, but whether they can make a medicinal formula out of it is another question. There is a lot of excitement now, but let's see what happens next. Apparently, this will not be for treatment, but for prevention, since this antibody affects receptors, ”Nikolai Malyshev, an infectious disease specialist, MD, suggested to RBC.
Larisa Popovich, director of the Institute for Health Economics at the Higher School of Economics, warned against excessive expectations. She recalled that it is necessary to wait for clinical trials and their results. The expert also pointed out that “monoclonal antibodies are not unheard of”.
Scientists have studied the antibodies of those who have recovered from COVID-19, and have also compiled a list of thousands of mutations in the domains of various variants of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. It turned out that one of the antibodies (S2H97) was able to attach to the domains of all such pathogens and neutralize them in living cells. His research in theory could help scientists create one vaccine against all strains of COVID-19.
