The research group of Kitasato University, Epsilon Molecular Engineering (EME), and Kao Corporation has succeeded in acquiring a VHH antibody that has the ability to suppress infection (neutralizing ability) against the new coronavirus.It is expected to lead to the development of therapeutic and diagnostic agents for new coronavirus infections.
Currently, new coronavirus infections have become a major issue in various parts of the world, and it is necessary to develop therapeutic agents as soon as possible.Therefore, an antibody that specifically binds to the new coronavirus is desired.Antibodies are involved in immunity against foreign substances (antigens) that have invaded the body and can bind to specific antigens.This enables infection suppression and specific detection of various viruses, and is used as a therapeutic drug and a test drug.
This time, Kao received a technology (cDNA display technology) that can efficiently obtain a protein that binds to a target molecule from EME, and targeted the "S1 protein" that exists on the surface of the new coronavirus expressed in cultured human cells. We conducted screening using molecules and obtained sequence information of candidate VHH antibodies (antibodies derived from camels).As a result, candidate genes were artificially synthesized, and VHH antibody production was performed by microorganisms.From the evaluation of the binding ability of the prepared VHH antibody to the target molecule, it was confirmed that the VHH antibody binds to the target molecule.
In addition, Kitasato University confirmed the binding of the candidate VHH antibody provided by Kao to the new coronavirus particles and the presence or absence of neutralizing activity, and evaluated the infection-suppressing ability.As a result, it was confirmed that the infection of the new coronavirus into cells was suppressed when this VHH antibody was added.
From the results of this study, it was found that the obtained VHH antibody not only binds to the new coronavirus but also has the ability to suppress infection.It is expected to lead to the development of therapeutic agents and test agents for the new coronavirus.
