Innovative antibody-based strategies to combat future emergence of zoonotic viral infections (ACZI)
Identification of broad-spectrum antibodies offering promising defense against virus outbreaks
To prepare for new virus outbreaks, we need to develop broadly protective antiviral strategies and vaccines. This consortium consisting of Utrecht University, Erasmus Medical Center and the company Harbour Antibodies
demonstrates how diverse corona or influenza viruses can be neutralized by new broad-spectrum therapeutic antibodies and provides a promising strategy for broadly protective influenza vaccinations.
Research into interventions that increase our preparedness against emerging viruses is highly desired and can be cost-effective. Epidemics and pandemics have a huge significant social and economic impact. According to the independent World Economic Forum, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will likely end up costing between $8.1 and $15.8 trillion globally.
Key findings from this project include the identification of spike-protein antibodies that can bind a remarkablewide range of coronaviruses, including the human-infecting MERS and SARS coronaviruses. Such broad-spectrum antibodies against coronaviruses have never been observed before, offering hope for the development of broad-spectrum antibody therapies and vaccines that could help to prevent ongoing coronavirus epidemics and to mitigate future outbreaks of newly emerging coronaviruses in humans from animal reservoirs. Furthermore, we found that levels of protective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 decline over time after vaccination, but booster vaccinations can restore protection against new variants such as SARS-CoV-2 Omicron. For influenza viruses, we have identified broad-spectrum antibodies against the neuraminidase protein that provide protection against infection in animals. Finally, we have shown that coupling neuraminidase antigens to protein-based nanoparticles in vaccinations can enhance the immune response and provide broad protection against different influenza virus strains.
Overall, this project’s results contribute to an increased understanding of antibody responses to viral infections and highlight the importance of ongoing research to address emerging viral variants and optimize vaccine strategies.
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