Scientists discover 4 antibodies neutralizing omicron strain

Having traced the effect of 37 monoclonal antibodies on the omicron variant of coronavirus, scientists have identified four molecules that can neutralize not only it, but many other coronaviruses as well, Report informs referring to TASS.

The results of the study were published on bioRxiv.

Almost all studied antibodies have virtually no effect on the omicron strain of coronavirus. The only exceptions were the antibodies S2K146, S2X259, S2H97 and sotrovimab. Moreover, they can neutralize a wide range of coronaviruses. The development of their analogs is critical for the further fight against the pandemic, researchers wrote.

The recently identified omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is causing great concern among scientists. Geneticists have isolated 37 previously unknown mutations in it, a significant part of which noticeably changes the structure of the coronavirus envelope. As a result, the causative agent of COVID-19 becomes invulnerable to two popular monoclonal antibodies. Perhaps because of this, the effectiveness of existing vaccines may also decrease.