A new method enables the discovery of effective antibodies against Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2
The Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have rendered many existing therapeutic antibodies ineffective due to their ability to evade the immune system. A team of researchers has developed an innovative approach to rapidly identify antibodies capable of neutralizing these resistant variants. Their strategy involves using modified versions of a key part of the virus, called the receptor-binding domain (RBD), masked by sugars. These modifications allow specific targeting of a vulnerable area of the virus, known as the class 3 antigenic site, which remains relatively stable despite variant mutations.
The scientists isolated more than 300 antibodies from immune cells taken from previously infected or vaccinated individuals. Among them, some proved particularly potent in blocking infection by the XBB and BQ.1.1 subvariants, which are among the most resistant to current treatments. These antibodies work by preventing the virus from attaching to human cells, a crucial mechanism for stopping the spread of infection.
The study shows that these antibodies, tested in the laboratory and on animal models, significantly reduce the viral load in the lungs. Their effectiveness lies in their ability to recognize areas of the virus that are less prone to mutations, making them promising for the development of more durable treatments. Furthermore, this sugar-masking method could be adapted to target other regions of the virus, paving the way for broader therapies that are more resistant to future viral evolution.
The researchers also confirmed that this approach works in multiple individuals, strengthening its potential for widespread application. These results provide a concrete solution to counter the immune evasion of emerging variants and improve protection for populations, especially those at risk.
About Our Sources
Original Publication
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-026-02282-x
Title: Epitope-focused discovery of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that potently neutralize Omicron variants
Journal: Nature Microbiology
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Seth J. Zost; Naveenchandra Suryadevara; Lauren E. Williamson; Suzanne M. Scheaffer; Elad Binshtein; Cameron D. Buchman; Nicole V. Johnson; Nicholas J. Catanzaro; Silvia Ravera; Nathaniel S. Chapman; Luke Myers; Ajit R. Ramamohan; Laura S. Handal; Doan C. Nguyen; Andrew Trivette; James R. Martinez; Eduardo Villalobos; Stacey A. Rutherford; F. Eun-Hyung Lee; Alexandra Schäfer; Ralph S. Baric; Jason S. McLellan; Michael S. Diamond; Robert H. Carnahan; James E. Crowe