Development of equine antisera with high neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2
The pandemic of COVID -19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is leading to a humongous impact on the mankind with over a million people succumbing to it worldwide. Although there are few drugs approved for the treatment, there is not yet a safe and effective vaccine available for COVID-19. Also, the passive immunization therapy with convalescent plasma, though potentially an effective treatment option for other viral disease has limitation of availability. The prior use of immunoglobulins generated in animals has proven to be effective in several viral and bacterial diseases. Here, we report the development and evaluation of equine hyper immune globulin raised against inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus. Post immunization neutralization titres of the equines demonstrated high neutralizing antibodies. To minimize the adverse effects, the immunoglobulins were digested with pepsin, and purified to obtain the F(ab’)2 fragments. The average nAb titre of the purified bulk was 22,927 and correlated with high IgG binding efficiency in ELISA. The quality control assessments of the different batches proved to have consistent nAb titres. The study provides evidence of the potential of generating highly purified F(ab’)2 from equines against SARS-CoV-2 that can demonstrate consistent and high neutralization activity. Further, in-vivo testing for efficacy of this indigenously developed, cost effective product will pave the way to clinical evaluation.
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Posted 29 Sep, 2020
Development of equine antisera with high neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2
Posted 29 Sep, 2020
The pandemic of COVID -19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is leading to a humongous impact on the mankind with over a million people succumbing to it worldwide. Although there are few drugs approved for the treatment, there is not yet a safe and effective vaccine available for COVID-19. Also, the passive immunization therapy with convalescent plasma, though potentially an effective treatment option for other viral disease has limitation of availability. The prior use of immunoglobulins generated in animals has proven to be effective in several viral and bacterial diseases. Here, we report the development and evaluation of equine hyper immune globulin raised against inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus. Post immunization neutralization titres of the equines demonstrated high neutralizing antibodies. To minimize the adverse effects, the immunoglobulins were digested with pepsin, and purified to obtain the F(ab’)2 fragments. The average nAb titre of the purified bulk was 22,927 and correlated with high IgG binding efficiency in ELISA. The quality control assessments of the different batches proved to have consistent nAb titres. The study provides evidence of the potential of generating highly purified F(ab’)2 from equines against SARS-CoV-2 that can demonstrate consistent and high neutralization activity. Further, in-vivo testing for efficacy of this indigenously developed, cost effective product will pave the way to clinical evaluation.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Please send PDF copy.