Mechanism and biological importance of neutralising antibodies against SARS- CoV-2

Getting infected or being vaccinated against the SARS CoV-2 virus causes the immune system to make 'neutralising' antibodies, which block infection and stop people becoming unwell. Nonetheless, it is still not known what level of these antibodies is required for protection, or exactly how they work. We have previously discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can spread directly between cells (cell- to-cell spread), as well as by releasing virus particles into the surroundings (cell-free infection). We have also shown that antibodies targeting separate parts of the virus can preferentially block one or other of these types of infection. In this project, I will therefore measure the levels of antibodies blocking different types of infection in blood samples from patients and healthy volunteers, and compare them with rates of infection and severe disease. I will further use 'CRISPR' gene editing technology to investigate how the virus spreads between cells. Altogether, this will allow me to determine what levels of antibodies are required for protection against SARS- CoV-2, and how important the different types of antibody are. It may also uncover factors in cells which can be targeted by new therapies to stop the virus spreading and prevent COVID-19.