Scientists can have developed a latest way of effectively neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 — the virus liable for the COVID-19 pandemic, using a latest class of antibodies. 

In a study published within the journal Nature Communications, a team of researchers from Garvan Institute of Medical Research presented a latest mechanism for coping with the novel coronavirus. It utilizes a unique class of antibodies able to broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, including the newer variants of concern. 

In accordance with the team, they conducted the study since the emerging variants of concerns are threatening to limit the effectiveness of the SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies and vaccines currently available to the general public. 

Because the five previously known classes of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have various effectiveness that wanes over time, they turned to a latest class of antibodies that works by attaching themselves to the “partially hidden” a part of the spike protein, making it hard for the virus to proceed mutation. 

The category 6 antibodies are said to be effective against the delta and omicron strains, even the newer variants of concern. They provided prophylactic and therapeutic protection against the viral challenge in mice, based on the scientists, who noted that their findings could help guide next-generation monoclonal antibody development and vaccine design. 

“It is a latest mechanism of motion we’re seeing with these class 6 antibodies,” Daniel Christ, the director of the Antibody Therapeutics Lab at Garvan and corresponding creator of the paper, said, as quoted by Medical Xpress. 

“Our hypothesis is that they are so effective because the realm we’re targeting is near the middle of the spike’s structure. When the antibody attaches there, it distorts the spike and rips it apart. It could be very difficult for the virus to adapt to that,” he added.  

The brand new antibody class was first discovered in small numbers in samples from patients in Sydney infected with the unique variant of COVID-19. 

Christ and his colleagues have since began working on evaluating the antibodies against the more moderen strains, including the XBB.1.5 and XBF. Should they yield the identical promising results, the medical community could see phase 1 clinical trials in 12 months. 

“Just about all commercially available antibodies for COVID-19 don’t work well anymore. Most are class 1 or 2, which refers back to the incontrovertible fact that they bind to probably the most obvious spot on the spike protein—the ACE2 receptor binding site. They’ve downsides, including failure against latest variants as they evolve,” co-first creator Dr. Jake Henry, a research assistant at Garvan, said. 

Henry identified that the brand new mechanism could pave the best way for brand spanking new antiviral therapy that might introduce reliable “passive immunity” to at-risk individuals. He also said this may lead to more advanced treatments for other viruses. 

“The exciting thing is that we describe a technique we will use in the longer term to use to other viruses — like flu or coronaviruses. It is a very quick way of identifying and isolating rare antibodies from recovering patients which ends up in simpler treatment,” Henry said.