Study of the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic response against SARS-CoV-2

In 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered in Wuhan, China. To counter this virus, the immune system implements defenses such as the production of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins capable of attaching to the "entry key" of SARS-CoV-2. This "key" is called a spike. After binding to spikes, antibodies can prevent the virus from entering and infecting cells. When this happens, these antibodies are said to be virus-neutralizing. However, antibodies have several functions and can also eliminate cells that are already infected by a virus. This cell elimination function can be achieved through the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic (ADCC) response, and it is this response that I will study during my doctoral program. The knowledge generated will result in better medical strategies to save more human lives.