Cross-neutralization of a SARS-CoV-2 antibody to a functionally conserved site is mediated by avidity

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Author(s)

Author Name

Hejun Liu

Published 7 Projects

Immunology Microbiology

Nicholas C Wu

Meng Yuan

Published 11 Projects

Immunology Microbiology

Sandhya Bangaru

Jonathan L. Torres

Published 2 Projects

Microbiology

Tom G. Caniels

Published 2 Projects

Microbiology

Jelle van Schooten

Published 1 Project

Microbiology

Chang-Chun D. Lee

Philip J.M. Brouwer

Published 2 Projects

Microbiology

Marit van Gils

Published 4 Projects

Microbiology

Rogier W. Sanders

Published 4 Projects

Microbiology

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Most antibodies isolated from COVID-19 patients are specific to SARS-CoV-2. COVA1-16 is a relatively rare antibody that also cross-neutralizes SARS-CoV. Here we determined a crystal structure of COVA1-16 Fab with the SARS-CoV-2 RBD, and a negative-stain EM reconstruction with the spike glycoprotein trimer, to elucidate the structural basis of its cross-reactivity. COVA1-16 binds a highly conserved epitope on the SARS-CoV-2 RBD, mainly through a long CDR H3, and competes with ACE2 binding due to steric hindrance rather than epitope overlap. COVA1-16 binds to a flexible up conformation of the RBD on the spike and relies on antibody avidity for neutralization. These findings, along with structural and functional rationale for the epitope conservation, provide a blueprint for development of more universal SARS-like coronavirus vaccines and therapies. ### Competing Interest Statement Amsterdam UMC previously filed a patent application on the SARS-CoV-2 antibody COVA1-16 described here.

Microbiology
Microbiology 111 Projects