Neutralized

Andreas Kungl was part of a team of researchers who showed that single domain shark VNAR antibodies can neutralize a SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Photo: Uni Graz/Tzivanopoulos.

A highly potent panel of VNARs against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has been isolated

The University of Graz and Ossianix, a British antibody engineering company, announced the publication of a preclinical study that describes discovery of highly potent neutralizing single domain shark antibodies (VNARs) directed against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The study, “Single domain shark VNAR antibodies neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro,” was published in bioRxiv on June 8, 2021. Single-domain VNAR antibodies are attractive therapeutics in the fight against COVID-19 as they not only interact with unique epitopes inaccessible to regular immunoglobulin G (IgG) but also are small in size and highly stable.

The study was conducted by Dr. Andreas Kungl, Professor at the University of Graz, in conjunction with Ossianix’s team led by Dr. Pawel Stocki. The trial tested a panel of ten VNAR antibodies that blocked the interaction of the spike protein with its receptor ACE2 and effectively neutralized the SARS-CoV-2 virus in vitro. A number of these VNARs were also found to block the interaction between spike protein mutants (N501Y and E484K) and the ACE2 receptor.

“The fight to control the COVID-19 pandemic will require a broad range of therapeutic approaches,” said Dr. Frank S. Walsh, CEO of Ossianix. “Vaccination is the primary strategy, but therapeutic antibodies will also have an important role to play in treating the infection. Shark single-domain VNAR antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are potent therapeutics and complement the human IgG approaches. Their small size, ability to be used in various formulation such as inhalation and the comparatively low cost of goods make them an attractive addition to existing approaches. These antibodies can be used either as single or combination therapeutics.”

Dr. Kungl added, “We were very intrigued by the highly potent anti-viral activity of Ossianix’ VNARs in inhibiting viral infection and propagation. Taken together with their physical stability, a very patient-friendly dose-response for these biologics can be expected for the treatment of COVID-19 infections.”

Publication: Single domain shark VNAR antibodies neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Aziz Gauhar, Cyril V Privezentzev, Mykhaylo Demydchuk, Tanja Gerlza, Julia Rieger, Andreas J Kungl, Frank S Walsh, J Lynn Rutkowski, Pawel Stocki. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.06.08.447530

Gerhild Leljak

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