Biopolym. Cell. 2024; 40(3):212-212.
Chronicle and Information
Antibodies targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can be modified to increase their affinity for new virus variants
1, 2Peka M. Yu., 2Balatsky V. M.
  1. V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
    4, Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, Ukraine, 61022
  2. Institute of Pig Breeding and Agroindustrial Production, NAAS of Ukraine
    1, Shvedska Mohyla Str., Poltava, Ukraine, 36013

Abstract

Aim. The accumulation of numerous mutations in emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants contributes to viral escape from immune response, necessitating an assessment of the effectiveness of known antibodies and consideration of their modification. Conclusions. The accumulation of mutations in the S-protein of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants can potentially reduce the affinity of neutralizing antibodies. However, modifying amino acid sequences of antibody chains offers a promising strategy to re-establish efficient binding to the S-protein, thereby enabling the adaptation of antibodies in response to the virus’s evolutionary changes.
Keywords: SARS–CoV–2, COVID–19, antibody, mutation, molecular dynamics, binding free energy

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