Development and characterization of neutralizing antibodies against SRAS-CoV-2

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 that belongs to betacoronaviruseis, and is an enveloped, single and positive-stranded RNA virus. In this study, we describe the production and characterization of four monoclonal antibodies (mAb) with neutralization activities. Methods Thirteen mAbs that identified positive were characterized by neutralization assays, binding affinities identification, and ELISA to evaluate the immunocompetence. The genes of neutralizing antibodies were sequenced and analyzed. Results All mAbs recognized two different epitopes respectively, including RBD and hFc, and the binding affinities are also different. Four of nine mAbs that can recognize the epitopes of RBD are conformation neutralizing antibodies that have high binding affinity and neutralization ability. Based on the sequencing, the mAbs are unique antibodies with specificity. Conclusions We characterized thirteen monoclonal antibodies, four of which are neutralizing antibodies and identified unique antibodies with specificity. The results highlight the promise of antibody-based therapeutics and provide the structural basis of rational vaccine design.