Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States have found the smallest biological molecule that completely neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is a protein compound, 10 times smaller than the full-length antibody that was used to create the Ab8 drug against COVID-19. This is reported in an article published in the journal Cell.
The study results showed that Ab8 is highly effective in preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice and hamsters. The tiny size of the molecule increases its ability to diffuse into tissues, which helps to better neutralize the virus, and also allows the drug to be administered by inhalation. The drug does not bind to human cells, which minimizes negative side effects.
The drug was discovered by rapidly analyzing 100 billion potential molecules that can bind to the coronavirus S-protein involved in the pathogen infecting human cells. When a protein compound fuses with a portion of the immunoglobulin to form Ab8, it takes on the functions of a full-length antibody.
In laboratory animals infected with coronavirus, Ab8 reduced the number of viral particles by 10 times even at the lowest dose.
