Progress in development of neutralizing monoclonal antibody ( McAb ) against MERS-CoV / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

The rapid spread and outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus ( MERS-CoV) in the regions of Middle East in 2012 have been a great concern for researchers worldwide. Thus, efficient preventative and therapeutic countermeasures are urgently needed. Clinical studies have con-firmed that high titers of neutralizing antibodies ( Abs) against MERS-CoV in patients during convalescence have protective potency, which indicates that neutralizing Abs are safe and effective for the treatment of MERS-CoV infection. Spike ( S) protein is a key structural protein that mediates MERS-CoV infection and currently a critical protein for studying MERS-CoV neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. This review summari-zes recent advances in identifying neutralizing McAbs against MERS-CoV through describing the structural characteristics of MERS-CoV S protein, different kinds of MERS-CoV vaccines and methods for mAbs screening. Furthermore, we propose the prospects for future research on MERS-CoV neutralizing McAbs ac-cording to the current research progress.