Identification of epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 viral particles for rapid development of neutralizing antibodies

Purpose and goal We intend to identify unique antibody epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 viral particles and develop neutralizing antibodies that can be used as a treatment for COVID-19. A detailed mapping of the virus surface and discovery of potential antibody epitopes on SARS-CoV-2 will be done using the technology platform AbiProt. The project will in addition set up a roadmap and process pipeline that can be used to rapidly combat viral pandemics emerging in the future. We expect the first antibodies to be ready for testing early 2021. Expected results and effects Neutralizing antibodies can provide an effective therapeutic option to reduce the severity of an ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infection and possibly a short-term prophylactic option for individuals who are at high risk of infection. With AbiProt, a technology that identifies functionally relevant epitopes on native-state target proteins, we aim to develop unique, neutralizing antibodies. The technology will be optimized into a rapid response platform against future pandemics, estimated to have a profound effect on the spread of an infection and decrease the time to effective treatments. Planned approach and implementation Oblique Therapeutics (ObT) together with the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (DCMS) will perform SARS-CoV-2 epitope discovery and antigen design. ObT will lead antibody production and candidate selection, resulting in 25-75 antibodies. DCMS and the Karolinska Institutet (KI) will evaluate antibody binding to virus proteins, and screen for their ability to neutralize virus activity in vitro. Platform optimization and positioning for future virus pandemics will be performed by ObT.