WO2021194896A1 - Anticorps anti-sras-cov-2 dérivés de 2ghw - Google Patents

Anticorps anti-sras-cov-2 dérivés de 2ghw Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021194896A1
WO2021194896A1 PCT/US2021/023296 US2021023296W WO2021194896A1 WO 2021194896 A1 WO2021194896 A1 WO 2021194896A1 US 2021023296 W US2021023296 W US 2021023296W WO 2021194896 A1 WO2021194896 A1 WO 2021194896A1
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amino acid
acid sequence
seq
antibody
antigen
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PCT/US2021/023296
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English (en)
Inventor
Jacob Glanville
Shahrad Daraeikia
I-Chieh Wang
Sindy Andrea Liao Chan
Jean-Philippe BÜRCKERT
Sawsan Youssef
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Centivax, Inc.
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Publication of WO2021194896A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021194896A1/fr

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/08—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from viruses
    • C07K16/10—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from viruses from RNA viruses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K39/12—Viral antigens
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
    • A61P31/12—Antivirals
    • A61P31/14—Antivirals for RNA viruses
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/08—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from viruses
    • C07K16/10—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from viruses from RNA viruses
    • C07K16/1002—Coronaviridae
    • C07K16/1003—Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS‐CoV‐2 or Covid-19]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K2039/505—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies comprising antibodies
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/70—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by effect upon binding to a cell or to an antigen
    • C07K2317/76—Antagonist effect on antigen, e.g. neutralization or inhibition of binding
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/90—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by (pharmaco)kinetic aspects or by stability of the immunoglobulin
    • C07K2317/92—Affinity (KD), association rate (Ka), dissociation rate (Kd) or EC50 value
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N2770/00—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA ssRNA viruses positive-sense
    • C12N2770/00011—Details
    • C12N2770/20011—Coronaviridae
    • C12N2770/20034—Use of virus or viral component as vaccine, e.g. live-attenuated or inactivated virus, VLP, viral protein
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2333/00—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature
    • G01N2333/005—Assays involving biological materials from specific organisms or of a specific nature from viruses
    • G01N2333/08—RNA viruses
    • G01N2333/165—Coronaviridae, e.g. avian infectious bronchitis virus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2469/00—Immunoassays for the detection of microorganisms
    • G01N2469/10—Detection of antigens from microorganism in sample from host
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2800/00—Detection or diagnosis of diseases
    • G01N2800/12—Pulmonary diseases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/53—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor
    • G01N33/569—Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor for microorganisms, e.g. protozoa, bacteria, viruses
    • G01N33/56983—Viruses

Definitions

  • Viruses are small infectious agents that can enter a living cell of an organism. Genetic information from a virus can be injected into the living cell, and can replicate inside the living cell, and be released. Viruses can cause disease in the organism and can spread between organisms. The mechanism by which a virus can cause disease can vary between viruses and can include cell lysis and/or cell death.
  • Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that can cause disease, for example in mammals and birds.
  • Coronaviruses can cause respiratory tract infections, such as those causing pneumonia-like diseases, that can range from mild to lethal.
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a coronavirus responsible for a pandemic of a respiratory disease, COVID19. An outbreak of this virus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei, China, and a pandemic was recognized by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The range of the severity of COVID19 is large, from asymptomatic to death. Approximately 20% of infected individuals can require hospitalization. The mortality rate of COVID19 appears to be between 1% and 4%.
  • COVID19 is transmitted between people, for example through respiratory droplets, and can be spread by symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, including during an extended incubation period. Social distancing has been applied worldwide to decrease the spread of COVID19. [0006] Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for COVID19. There is an urgent need for new compositions that can be used for treating or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and for diagnosing an exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus.
  • an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co V-2), that comprises: (i) a variable heavy chain (VH) complementarity determining region 1 (CDR1) having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31, a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, a variable light chain (VL) CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, and a VL CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39, a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31, a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41, a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, a VL CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44, a VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, and a VL CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29, a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39, a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, a VL CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46, a VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48, and a VL CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24, a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35, a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16, a VL CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, a VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47, and a VL CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38, a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, a VL CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, a VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48, and a VL CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22, a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25, a VL CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, a VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47, and a VL CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEO ID NO: 49.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78 a VL having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76 a VL having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 87.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71 a VL having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75 a VL having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69 a VL having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80.
  • a pharmaceutical composition that comprises one or more of the antibodies or antigen binding fragments herein.
  • a combination that comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten antibodies described herein.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can, in some instances, selectively binds to a receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2.
  • RBD receptor binding domain
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can be an IgG, an IgM, an IgE, an IgA, an IgD, or be derived therefrom.
  • the antibody can be an IgG1, an IgG2a, an lgG2b, an IgG3, or an IgG4.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a monoclonal antibody, a grafted antibody, a chimeric antibody, a human antibody, or a humanized antibody.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can comprise a binding affinity of less than 50 nM.
  • An antigen-binding fragment can comprise a Fab, a Fab', a F(ab') 2 , a variable fragment (Fv), a triabody, a tetrabody, a minibody, a bispecific F(ab') 2 , a trispecific F(ab') 2 , a diabody, a bispecific diabody, a single chain variable fragment (scFv), a scFv-Fc, a Fab-Fc, a VHH, or a bispecific scFv.
  • the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment can be isolated, recombinant, or synthetic.
  • a method of preventing or treating a SARS-CoV-2 viral infection or COVID19 in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an antibody or an antigen- binding fragment herein.
  • the method can further comprise administering one or more additional therapies or drugs to the subject.
  • the one or more additional therapies or drugs comprises at least a second antibody or antigen binding fragment which is described herein.
  • a method of diagnosing a subject as being infected with a SARS-CoV-2 virus or suspected of being infected with a SARS-CoV-2 virus comprising contacting a sample obtained from the subject with the antibody or the antigen-binding fragment herein; detecting the presence or absence of an antibody/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex or an antigen-binding fragment/SARS- CoV-2 virus complex; and diagnosing the subject as being infected with a SARS-CoV-2 virus when the presence of the antibody/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex or the antigen-binding fragment/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex is detected.
  • the sample can comprise a nasal swab, a tissue sample, saliva, or blood.
  • Detecting the presence or absence of the antibody/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex or the antigen-binding fragment/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex can comprise an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an immunospot assay, a lateral flow assay, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, or a western blot.
  • ELISA enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
  • an immunospot assay an immunospot assay
  • a lateral flow assay cytometry
  • immunohistochemistry or a western blot.
  • FIG.1 provides representative viral antigen sequences.
  • SARS-CoV-2 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
  • a “parental clone” or a “parental clone 2ghw” as used herein refers to an antibody that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-1 and which has the following combination of complementarity determining regions (CDRs), or the following variable heavy chain (VH), and variable light chain (VL).
  • CDRs complementarity determining regions
  • VH variable heavy chain
  • VL variable light chain
  • the present disclosure describes antibodies and antigen-binding fragments herein that are derived from 2ghw and that selectively bind to SARS-CoV-2.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that is “derived from” these 2ghw and which selectively binds to SARS-CoV-1 refers to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that does not comprise amino acid sequences that are 100% identical to the combination of CDRs of 2ghw, or that does not comprise amino acid sequences that are 100% identical to the VH having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and the VL having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14.
  • antibody or antigen-binding fragments herein can have some degree of sequence identity to the parental clone 2ghw, as disclosed herein.
  • the terms “antibody or antigen-binding fragment” and “antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein which selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2” are synonymous.
  • a antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein also refers to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2, and which has a greater binding affinity for SARS-CoV- 2 than to SARS-CoV-1.
  • a antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that is derived from the parental clone also refers to a antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is capable of neutralizing the activity of SARS-CoV-2.
  • a antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein can selectively bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2.
  • RBD receptor binding domain
  • a antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein selectively binds solely to SARS-CoV-2, and not to SARS1, SARS2, and/or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
  • Binding affinity of a antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein can be determined by any suitable means including, but not limited to, high-throughput surface plasmon resonance (SPR) kinetic experiments.
  • SPR surface plasmon resonance
  • a antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein is immobilized to a solid surface using an anti-V5 antibody.
  • Different concentrations of antigen SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, SARS2, or MERS RBD proteins
  • SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, SARS2, or MERS RBD proteins are flowed over the immobilized antibodies or antigen-binding fragments to characterize the interactions to the immobilized antibodies or antigen-binding fragments.
  • the SPR signal originates from changes in the refractive index at the surface of a gold sensor chip. An increase in mass associated with a binding event between an antibody or antigen-binding fragment and the antigen causes a proportional increase in the refractive index, which is observed as a change in response.
  • the binding response increase is due to the formation of antigen–antibody complexes at the surface and the sensorgram is dominated by the association phase.
  • a steady state is reached, in which binding and dissociating molecules are in equilibrium.
  • the decrease in response after analyte injection is terminated is due to dissociation of the complexes, defining the dissociation phase.
  • some assays may require a regeneration step in order to reach the baseline again. Fitting the sensorgram data to an appropriate kinetic binding model allows calculation of kinetic parameters such as the association (ka) and dissociation (kd) rate constants, and the binding affinity of the tested interactions.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein has a binding affinity for SARS- CoV-2 of less than 50 nM.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein can selectively bind to SARS-CoV-2 with a binding affinity of from about 0.7 nM (700 pM) to about 50 nM.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein selectively bind to SARS-CoV-2 with a binding affinity of less than 50 nM, 49 nM, 48 nM, 47 nM, 46 nM, 45 nM, 44 nM, 43 nM, 42 nM, 41 nM, 40 nM, 39 nM, 38 nM, 37 nM, 36 nM, 35 nM, 34 nM, 33 nM, 32 nM, 31 nM, 30 nM, 29 nM, 28 nM, 27 nM, 26 nM, 25 nM, 24 nM, 23 nM, 22 nM, 21 nM, 20 nM, 19 nM, 18 nM, 17 nM, 16 nM, 15 nM, 14 nM, 13 nM, 12 nM, 11 nM, 10 nM, 9 nM, 8 nM, 7 nM, 6
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein can neutralize the activity of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Neutralization ability of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein can be assessed using any suitable means including, but not limited to, an in vitro pseudovirus assay.
  • spike genes from a SARS-CoV-2 virus are codon-optimized for human cells and cloned into eukaryotic expression plasmids to generate envelope recombinant plasmids; mammalian cells are then transfected with the plasmids. The transfected mammalian cells are contacted with an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein and trypsinization is determined as a measure of neutralization.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein neutralize SARS-CoV-2 by at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or more compared to a non-specific antibody, or compared to an antibody that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-1 or MERS.
  • Neutralization ability of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein can also be assessed using, for example, an in vivo hamster animal model. For example, hamsters can be injected with either saline or an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein. Body weight and viable signs (e.g., ruffled hair and movement) are recorded.
  • Viral titers are assessed in homogenates of lung tissues and/or by immunohistochemistry of lung tissue.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein reduces viral titers compared to controls.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein can block one or more variants of the original SARS-CoV-2 viral sequence such as, for example, the UK variant (B.1.1.7) and/or the South African variant (20H/501Y.V2 or B.1.351).
  • Competition assay of the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) can be assessed using an assay including, but not limited to, a classical sandwich and premix assay format.
  • anti-V5 tag antibodies are biotinylated and loaded onto streptavidin sensor tips.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein is loaded onto the anti-V5 sensor tips.
  • SARS-CoV-2 is added, followed by sandwiching of ACE2 or buffer. Dissociation in buffer is measured. Capture of biotinylated ACE2 is included as a self-blocking control.
  • an antibody or antigen- binding fragment herein are loaded onto the anti-V5 sensor tips.
  • a premix complex of SARS-CoV-2 + ACE2, or a SARS-CoV-2 alone are added to the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments. Dissociation in buffer is measured. Capture of biotinylated ACE2 is included as a self-blocking control.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of CARDR X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 YW (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X 1 is N, R, or S; X 2 is A, L, V, or Y; X 3 is G, M, or Y; X 4 is I, L, or F; and X 5 is D or G.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X 1 is F or L; X 2 is T, S, R, or A; X 3 is F or V; X 4 is S or T; X 5 is D, N, or S; X 6 is H, N, or Y; X 7 is A, G, or Y; X 8 is M or I; and X 9 is S, T, or N.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 GX 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 YA (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X 1 is A or S; X 2 is A or T; X 3 is I or M; X 4 is N or S; X 5 is G, R, N, T, or Y; X 6 is D, I, S, or T; X 7 is D, G, or S; X 8 is D, N, S, T, or Y; and X 9 is I, K, or T; and wherein X 10 is E, F, or Y.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VL CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of FASQSX 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 LX 5 (SEQ ID NO: 4), wherein X 1 is I or V; X 2 is G, R, or S; X 3 is R, S, or T; X 4 is N or Y; and X 5 is A, N, or S.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of X 1 ASX 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 (SEQ ID NO: 5), wherein X 1 is A, G, or S; X 2 is S or T; X 3 is L or R; X 4 is Q or A; and X 5 is S or T.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VL CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of CQX 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 TW (SEQ ID NO: 6), wherein X 1 is Q or H; X 2 is A, R, S, or Y; X 3 is G, L, N, S, or Y; X 4 is N or S; X 5 is L, S, T, or W; X 6 is P or Q; and X 7 is L, P, or V.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VH CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 15-21.
  • an antibody or antigen- binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can further comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to one or more of a VH CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 22-32 and a VH CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 33-41.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can further comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to one or more of a VL CDR1 comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 10 or 42-46, a VL CDR2 comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 11 or 47-48, and a VL CDR3 comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 49-55.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to one or more of a VH CDR1 comprising amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 22-32, a VH CDR2 comprising amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 33-41, a VH CDR3 comprising amino acid sequence of any one of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 15-21, a VL CDR1 comprising amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 10 or 42-46, a VL CDR2 comprising amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 11 or 47-48, and a VL CDR3 comprising amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 49-55.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of CARDRX 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 YW (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X 1 is N, R, or S; X 2 is A, L, V, or Y; X 3 is G, M, or Y; X 4 is I, L, or F; and X 5 is D or G.
  • the VH CDR3 comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of the following sequences:
  • Representative VH CDR1 sequences [0034]
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 X 8 X 9 (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X 1 is F or L; X 2 is T, S, R, or A; X 3 is F or V; X 4 is S or T; X 5 is D, N, or S; X 6 is H, N, or Y; X 7 is A, G, or Y; X 8 is M or I; and X 9 is S, T,
  • the VH CDR1 comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of the following sequences:
  • Representative VH CDR2 sequences [0035]
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of X 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 GX 7 X 8 X 9 X 10 YA (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein X 1 is A or S; X 2 is A or T; X 3 is I or M; X 4 is N or S; X 5 is G, R, N, T, or Y; X 6 is D, I, S, or T; X 7 is D, G, or S; X 8 is D, N, S, T,
  • the VH CDR2 comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of the following sequences:
  • Representative VL CDR1 sequences [0036]
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VL CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of FASQSX 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 LX 5 (SEQ ID NO: 4), wherein X 1 is I or V; X 2 is G, R, or S; X 3 is R, S, or T; X 4 is N or Y; and X 5 is A, N, or S.
  • the VL CDR1 comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of the following sequences:
  • Representative VL CDR2 sequences [0037]
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VL CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of X 1 ASX 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 (SEQ ID NO: 5), wherein X 1 is A, G, or S; X 2 is S or T; X 3 is L or R; X 4 is Q or A; and X 5 is S or T.
  • the VL CDR2 comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of the following sequences:
  • Representative VL CDR3 sequences [0038]
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VL CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of CQX 1 X 2 X 3 X 4 X 5 X 6 X 7 TW (SEQ ID NO: 6), wherein X 1 is Q or H; X 2 is A, R, S, or Y; X 3 is G, L, N, S, or Y; X 4 is N or S; X 5 is L, S, T, or W; X 6 is P or Q; and X 7 is L, P, or V.
  • the VL CDR3 comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of the following sequences: Representative CDR combinations [0039]
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 15; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%,
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 16; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 16; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 24; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 24
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 17; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 25; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 25
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 18; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 26; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 26
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 16; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 27; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 27
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 19; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 28
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 20; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 29; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 29
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 16; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 30; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 30
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 21; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 31; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 31
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 16; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 32; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 32
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to SARS- CoV-2 can comprise (i) a VH CDR3 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 20; (ii) a VH CDR1 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 29; (iii) a VH CDR2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 29
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to one or more of a FW-L1 comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56 or 57, a FW-L2 comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58 or 59, a FW-L3 comprising an amino acid sequence of any one of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 60-62, a FW-L4 comprising amino acid of SEQ ID NO: 63, a FW-H1 comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64, a FW-H2 comprising amino acid sequence of SEQ
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VL framework (FW) 1 (FW-L1) having an amino acid sequence of that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of the following sequences:
  • Representative FW-L2 sequences Representative FW-L2 sequences
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a FW-L2 having an amino acid sequence that is at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of the following sequences:
  • Representative FW-L3 sequences Representative FW-L3 sequences [0054]
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 70 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 80 (COVID19_P04_G03).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 80 (COVID19_P04_G05).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 72 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 80 (COVID19_R01_B01).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 73 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 81 (COVID19_P04_D08).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 74 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 82 (COVID19_P04_B03).
  • a 2ghw-derivedantibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 75 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 83 (COVID19_P04_B09).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 76 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 83 (COVID19_P04_E10).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 77 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 84 (COVID19_R01_A04).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 78 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 85 (COVID19_R01_D02).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 79 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 86 (COVID19_R01_B10).
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, described herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 can comprise a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 76 a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 87 (COVID19_R01_C08).
  • Modified Antibodies [0074] The present disclosure provides for modified antibodies. Modified antibodies can comprise antibodies which have one or more modifications which can enhance their activity, binding, specificity, selectivity, or another feature.
  • modified antibodies (which can be heteromultimers) that comprise an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody as described herein.
  • Reference to a modified antibody herein also refers to a modified antigen-binding fragment.
  • a modified antibody can comprise a bispecific modified antibody, a trispecific modified antibody or antigen-binding fragment, or a tetraspecific modified antibody or antigen-binding fragment.
  • a bispecific modified antibody can be able to specifically bind to 2 targets. In some cases, one of the targets a bispecific modified antibody can specifically bind to can be a SARS-CoV-2.
  • a trispecific modified antibody can be able to specifically bind to 3 targets.
  • one of the targets a trispecific modified antibody can specifically bind to can be a SARS-CoV-2.
  • a tetraspecific modified antibody can be able to specifically bind to 4 targets.
  • one of the targets a tetraspecific modified antibody can specifically bind to can be a SARS-CoV-2.
  • a modified antibody can comprise a human modified antibody.
  • amino acid sequence variants of the modified antibody which can be prepared by introducing appropriate nucleotide changes into the modified antibody DNA, or by synthesis of the desired modified antibody polypeptide. Such variants include, for example, deletions from, or insertions or substitutions of, residues within the amino acid sequences of the first and second polypeptides forming the modified antibody.
  • Any combination of deletion, insertion, and substitution is made to arrive at the final construct, provided that the final construct possesses the desired antigen-binding characteristics.
  • the amino acid changes also may alter post-translational processes of the modified antibody, such as changing the number or position of glycosylation sites.
  • “Alanine scanning mutagenesis” can be a useful method for identification of certain residues or regions of the modified antibody polypeptides that might be preferred locations for mutagenesis.
  • a residue or group of target residues are identified (e.g., charged residues such as Arg, Asp, His, Lys, and Glu) and replaced by a neutral or negatively charged amino acid (for example, alanine or polyalanine) to affect the interaction of the amino acids with the surrounding aqueous environment in or outside the cell.
  • a neutral or negatively charged amino acid for example, alanine or polyalanine
  • Those domains demonstrating functional sensitivity to the substitutions then are refined by introducing further or other variants at or for the sites of substitution.
  • the site for introducing an amino acid sequence variation is predetermined, the nature of the mutation per se need not be predetermined.
  • the mutations can involve conservative amino acid replacements in non-functional regions of the modified antibody. Exemplary mutations are shown below.
  • Covalent modifications of antibody, antigen-binding fragment, or modified antibody polypeptides are included within the scope of this disclosure.
  • Covalent modifications of the modified antibody can be introduced into the molecule by reacting targeted amino acid residues of the modified antibody or fragments thereof with an organic derivatizing agent that can be capable of reacting with selected side chains or the N- or C-terminal residues.
  • Another type of covalent modification of the modified antibody polypeptide can comprise altering the native glycosylation pattern of the polypeptide.
  • altering can mean deleting one or more carbohydrate moieties found in the original modified antibody, and/or adding one or more glycosylation sites that are not present in the original modified antibody.
  • Addition of glycosylation sites to the modified antibody polypeptide can be accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such that it contains one or more N-linked glycosylation sites.
  • the alteration may also be made by the addition of, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonine residues to the original modified antibody sequence (for O-linked glycosylation sites).
  • the modified antibody amino acid sequence can be altered through changes at the DNA level, particularly by mutating the DNA encoding the modified antibody polypeptide at preselected bases such that codons are generated that will translate into the desired amino acids.
  • Another means of increasing the number of carbohydrate moieties on the modified antibody polypeptide is by chemical or enzymatic coupling of glycosides to the polypeptide.
  • modified antibody Removal of carbohydrate moieties present on the modified antibody can be accomplished chemically or enzymatically.
  • Another type of covalent modification of modified antibody comprises linking the modified antibody polypeptide to one of a variety of non-proteinaceous polymers, e.g., polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, or polyoxyalkylenes.
  • Methods for complexing binding agents or the antibody or antigen-binding fragments herein with another agent are known in the art. Such methods may utilize one of several available heterobifunctional reagents used for coupling or linking molecules.
  • Fc portions of antibodies can be modified to increase half-life of the molecule in the circulation in blood when administered to a subject.
  • antibodies may be produced or expressed so that they do not contain fucose on their complex N-glycoside-linked sugar chains to increase effector functions.
  • antibodies can be attached at their C-terminal end to all or part of an immunoglobulin heavy chain derived from any antibody isotype, e.g., IgG, IgA, IgE, IgD, and IgM, and any of the isotype sub-classes, e.g., IgG1, IgG2b, IgG2a, IgG3, and IgG4.
  • Glycosylation of immunoglobulins has been shown to have significant effects on their effector functions, structural stability, and rate of secretion from antibody-producing cells.
  • Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments herein may be glycosylated. Glycosylation at a variable domain framework residue can alter the binding interaction of the antibody with antigen.
  • the present disclosure includes criteria by which a limited number of amino acids in the framework or CDRs of an immunoglobulin chain can be chosen to be mutated (e.g., by substitution, deletion, and/or addition of residues) in order to increase the affinity of an antibody.
  • Linkers for conjugating antibodies to other moieties are within the scope of the present disclosure. Associations (binding) between antibodies and labels include, but are not limited to, covalent and non-covalent interactions, chemical conjugation, as well as recombinant techniques.
  • Antibodies, or antigen-binding fragments thereof can be modified for various purposes such as, for example, by addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG).
  • PEG modification PEGylation
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be conjugated to, or recombinantly engineered with, an affinity tag (e.g., a purification tag).
  • affinity tag e.g., a purification tag.
  • Affinity tags such as, for example, His6 tags (His-His-His- His-His-His-His (SEQ ID NO: 88)) have been described.
  • polypeptides of the antibodies can be produced by proteolytic or other degradation of the antibodies, by recombinant methods (i.e., single or fusion polypeptides) as described above, or by chemical synthesis.
  • Polypeptides of the antibodies, especially shorter polypeptides up to about 50 amino acids, can be made by chemical synthesis. Methods of chemical synthesis are commercially available.
  • an antibody could be produced by an automated polypeptide synthesizer employing a solid phase method.
  • Antibodies may be made recombinantly by first isolating the antibodies and antibody producing cells from host animals, obtaining the gene sequence, and using the gene sequence to express the antibody recombinantly in host cells (e.g., CHO cells). Another method which may be employed is to express the antibody sequence in plants (e.g., tobacco) or transgenic milk. Methods for expressing antibodies recombinantly in plants or milk have been disclosed. Methods for making derivatives of antibodies, e.g., single chain, etc. are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
  • host cell includes an individual cell or cell culture that can be or has been a recipient for vector(s) for incorporation of polynucleotide inserts.
  • Host cells include progeny of a single host cell, and the progeny may not necessarily be completely identical (in morphology or in genomic DNA complement) to the original parent cell due to natural, accidental, or deliberate mutation.
  • a host cell includes cells transfected with a polynucleotide(s) of this disclosure.
  • DNA encoding an antibody may be readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of the monoclonal antibodies).
  • Hybridoma cells may serve as a source of such DNA.
  • the DNA may be placed into one or more expression vectors, which are then transfected into host cells such as E. coli cells, simian COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells that do not otherwise produce immunoglobulin protein, to obtain the synthesis of monoclonal antibodies in the recombinant host cells.
  • the DNA also may be modified, for example, by substituting the coding sequence for human heavy and light chain constant domains in place of the homologous murine sequences, or by covalently joining to the immunoglobulin coding sequence all or part of the coding sequence for a non-immunoglobulin polypeptide.
  • vectors that encode the one or more antibodies or antigen-binding fragments herein.
  • vector means a construct, which is capable of delivering, and possibly expressing, one or more gene(s) or sequence(s) of interest in a host cell.
  • vectors include, but are not limited to, viral vectors; naked DNA or RNA expression vectors; plasmid, cosmid, or phage vectors; DNA or RNA expression vectors associated with cationic condensing agents; DNA or RNA expression vectors encapsulated in liposomes; and certain eukaryotic cells, such as producer cells.
  • expression control sequence means a nucleic acid sequence that directs transcription of a nucleic acid.
  • An expression control sequence can be a promoter, such as a constitutive or an inducible promoter, or an enhancer.
  • the expression control sequence is operably linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be transcribed.
  • An expression vector can be used to direct expression of an antibody.
  • Expression vectors can be administered to obtain expression of an exogenous protein in vivo.
  • a widely used mammalian expression system is one which utilizes Lonza’s GS Gene Expression SystemTM. This system uses a viral promoter and selection via glutamine metabolism to provide development of high-yielding and stable mammalian cell lines.
  • a widely used mammalian expression system is one which utilizes gene amplification by dihydrofolate reductase deficient (“dhfr-”) Chinese hamster ovary cells.
  • the system is based upon the dihydrofolate reductase “dhfr” gene, which encodes the DHFR enzyme, which catalyzes conversion of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate.
  • dhfr- CHO cells are transfected with an expression vector containing a functional DHFR gene, together with a gene that encodes a desired protein.
  • the desired protein is recombinant antibody heavy chain and/or light chain.
  • MTX competitive DHFR inhibitor methotrexate
  • the recombinant cells develop resistance by amplifying the dhfr gene.
  • the amplification unit employed is much larger than the size of the dhfr gene, and as a result the antibody heavy chain is co-amplified.
  • both the expression level and the stability of the cells being employed are taken into account.
  • the present application provides one or more isolated polynucleotides (nucleic acids) encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein, vectors containing such polynucleotides, and host cells and expression systems for transcribing and translating such polynucleotides into polypeptides.
  • the present application also provides constructs in the form of plasmids, vectors, transcription or expression cassettes which comprise at least one polynucleotide as above.
  • the present application also provides a recombinant host cell which comprises one or more constructs as above.
  • a nucleic acid encoding any antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein forms an aspect of the present application, as does a method of production of the antibody, which method comprises expression from encoding nucleic acid therefrom. Expression can be achieved by culturing under appropriate conditions recombinant host cells containing the nucleic acid. Following production by expression, an antibody or a portion thereof can be isolated and/or purified using any suitable technique, then used as appropriate.
  • a further aspect provides a host cell containing nucleic acid as disclosed herein using any suitable method.
  • a still further aspect provides a method comprising introducing such nucleic acid into a host cell. The introduction can be followed by causing or allowing expression from the nucleic acid, e.g., by culturing host cells under conditions for expression of the gene.
  • One or more polynucleotides encoding an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment can be prepared recombinantly/synthetically in addition to, or rather than, cloned.
  • the full DNA sequence of the recombinant DNA molecule or cloned gene(s) of an antibody or antigen- binding fragment herein can be operatively linked to an expression control sequence which can be introduced into an appropriate host using any suitable method.
  • Nucleic acid sequences can be expressed by operatively linking them to an expression control sequence in an appropriate expression vector and employing that expression vector to transform an appropriate host cell. Any of a wide variety of expression control sequences – sequences that control the expression of a nucleic acid sequence operatively linked to it – can be used in these vectors to express the nucleic acid sequences.
  • a wide variety of host/expression vector combinations can be employed in expressing the nucleic acid sequences of this disclosure.
  • the host in selecting a vector, the host is considered such that the vector can function in it.
  • the vector’s copy number, the ability to control that copy number, and the expression of any other proteins encoded by the vector, such as antibiotic markers, may also be considered.
  • the host in selecting a vector, the host is considered such that the vector functions in it.
  • the vector’s copy number, the ability to control that copy number, and the expression of any other proteins encoded by the vector, such as antibiotic markers, can also be considered.
  • the present application also provides a method which comprises using a construct as stated above in an expression system in order to express the antibodies (or portions thereof) as above.
  • a variety of vector/expression control sequence/host combinations can be constructed that can express the nucleic acid sequences on fermentation or in large scale animal culture.
  • Simultaneous incorporation of the antibody (or portion thereof)-encoding nucleic acids and the selected amino acid position changes can be accomplished by a variety of suitable methods including, for example, recombinant and chemical synthesis.
  • administering to the subject a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) encoding the antibody or antigen- binding fragment.
  • administering the one or more polynucleotides to the subject can comprise enteral, gastroenteral, oral, transdermal, epicutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, nasal administration, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intraarterial, intramuscular, intraosseous infusion, transmucosal, insufflation, or sublingual administration.
  • a polynucleotide can be administered via more than one route.
  • Antibodies or antigen-binding fragments can be synthesized in the subject based at least in part on the polynucleotide encoding the antibody or antigen-binding fragment.
  • a polynucleotide can enter a cell of the subject, and the antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be synthesized at least in part by using the subject’s cellular transcription and/or translation machinery.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be synthesized at least in part by using the subject’s cellular translation machinery (e.g., ribosomes, tRNA, etc.). In some cases, antibody or antigen-binding fragments can be transported from a cell to the plasma of the subject after translation.
  • Compositions comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein may be prepared for storage by mixing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment having the desired degree of purity with optional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers (Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed.
  • “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “pharmaceutical acceptable excipient” includes any material which, when combined with an active ingredient, allows the ingredient to retain biological activity and is non-reactive with the subject's immune system. Examples include, but are not limited to, any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers such as a phosphate buffered saline solution, water, emulsions such as oil/water emulsion, and various types of wetting agents. Preferred diluents for aerosol or parenteral administration are phosphate buffered saline or normal (0.9%) saline.
  • compositions comprising such carriers are formulated by well-known conventional methods (see, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, A. Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990; and Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing, 2000).
  • Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and may comprise buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; salts such as sodium chloride; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens, such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine,
  • compositions to be used for in vivo administration may be sterilized. This may be accomplished by, for example, filtration through sterile filtration membranes, or any other art-recognized method for sterilization.
  • Antibody compositions are generally placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle. Other methods for sterilization and filtration are known in the art and are contemplated herein.
  • the compositions are formulated to be free of pyrogens such that they are acceptable for administration to a subject.
  • compositions according to the present invention may be in unit dosage forms such as solutions or suspensions, tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, or suppositories, etc., for intravenous, oral, parenteral or rectal administration, or administration by inhalation or insufflation.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable refers to molecular entities and compositions that are physiologically tolerable and do not typically produce an allergic or similar untoward reaction, such as gastric upset, dizziness and the like, when administered to a subject.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be bound to one or more carriers. Carriers can be active and/or inert.
  • Examples of well-known carriers include polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, dextran, nylon, amylases, glass, natural and modified celluloses, polyacrylamides, agaroses and magnetite.
  • the nature of the carrier can be either soluble or insoluble for purposes of the invention.
  • Those skilled in the art will know of other suitable carriers for binding antibodies, or will be able to ascertain such, using routine experimentation.
  • One embodiment contemplates the use of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments to manufacture a medicament for treating a condition, disease or disorder described herein.
  • Medicaments can be formulated based on the physical characteristics of the subject needing treatment, and can be formulated in single or multiple formulations based on the stage of the condition, disease or disorder.
  • kits that comprise one or more anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies or antigen- binding fragments herein.
  • a container means comprising one or more anti-SARS-CoV- 2 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments herein.
  • the container means may be any suitable container which may house a liquid or lyophilized composition including, but not limited to, a vial, a syringe, a bottle, an intravenous (IV) bag, an ampoule, or any other suitable container.
  • a syringe may be able to hold any volume of liquid suitable for injection into a subject including, but not limited to, 0.5 cc, 1 cc, 2 cc, 5 cc, 10 cc or more.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is lyophilized
  • the kit comprises one or more suitable buffers for reconstitution prior to injection.
  • the kit may comprise one or more instruction sheets describing the use of the one or more antibodies or antigen-binding fragments.
  • the kit may include one or more labels describing the contents and use of the one or more antibodies.
  • METHODS OF PREVENTION OR TREATMENT [00121] The present disclosure provides methods of preventing or treating a subject infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) or suspected of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein.
  • the subject to be treated is symptomatic prior to administration of the antibody.
  • the subject to be treated is asymptomatic prior to administration of the antibody.
  • a “subject” as described herein includes, but is not limited to, a human, a rodent, a primate, etc.
  • the subject to be treated exhibits one or more underlying conditions that exacerbate the infection such as, for example, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, immunocompromised, lung disease, cancer, clots, thrombosis, or a combination thereof.
  • a subject can be administered an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein in an amount that achieves at least partially a partial or complete reduction of one or more symptoms.
  • Reduction can be, for example, a decrease of one or more symptoms by about 5% or more compared to prior to treatment.
  • the compositions can be formulated by methodology known by one in the art.
  • the amount of an antibody necessary to bring about therapeutic treatment of COVID19 is not fixed per se.
  • the amount of antibody administered may vary with the extensiveness of the disease and size of the human suffering from COVID19.
  • Treatment in one instance, lowers infection rates in a population of subjects. Treatment may also result in a shortened recovery time, in fewer symptoms, or in less severe symptoms, or a combination thereof compared to an untreated subject who has COVID19.
  • the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments herein may be used to treat a COVID19 infection (an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2) in a subject in need thereof, thereby reducing one or more symptoms of the infection.
  • the one or more symptoms to be treated include, but are not limited to, a fever of over 100.4 °F, fatigue, coughing (e.g., a dry cough), aches, pains, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, diarrhea, headaches, shortness of breath, or any combination thereof.
  • treatment of a subject includes a reduction by at least 5% in 1 symptom, 2 symptoms, 3 symptoms, 4 symptoms, 5 symptoms, 6 symptoms, 7 symptoms, 8 symptoms, 9 symptoms, 10 symptoms, or 11 symptoms.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment can protect the subject from infection by SARS-CoV-2.
  • Protecting can comprise for example reducing an infection rate of SARS- CoV-2 or reducing or preventing reproduction of SARS-CoV-2.
  • Treatment can comprise for example reducing symptoms of COVID-19, reducing a death rate, or reducing or preventing reproduction of SARS-CoV-2.
  • administering is referred to herein as providing one or more compositions to a patient in a manner that results in the composition being inside the patient’s body.
  • Such an administration can be by any route including, without limitation, locally, regionally, or systemically, by subcutaneous, intradermal, intravenous, intra-arterial, intraperitoneal, or intramuscular administration (e.g., injection). In one instance, administration is via intradermal injection. In another instance, administration is via subcutaneous injection.
  • a subject is administered one of the antibodies or antigen- binding fragments herein one or more times. In another embodiment, a subject is administered two of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments herein one or more times. In another embodiment, a subject is administered three of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments herein one or more times. In another embodiment, a subject is administered four of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments herein one or more times.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein to be administered to the subject exhibits a nM or a pM binding affinity, e.g., between 50 nM and 700 pM.
  • the present disclosure provides methods of reducing the death rate of infection by SARS- CoV-2 by administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that can specifically bind to SARS-CoV-2.
  • Reduction in death rate can be determined for example by comparing the rate of death of subjects infected by SARS-CoV-2 between a cohort that receives the composition and a cohort that does not receive the composition.
  • Death rate can be determined for example by determining the number of infected subjects of a cohort wherein infection by SARS-CoV-2 results in death. In some cases, the death rate can be reduced compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%. In some cases, the death rate can be reduced compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or a range between any two foregoing values.
  • the present disclosure also provides methods for reducing the infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 by administering to a subject non infected with SARS-CoV-2 a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that can specifically bind to SARS-CoV-2.
  • Reduction in infection rate can be determined for example by comparing the rate of infection of subjects exposed to SARS-CoV-2 between a cohort that receives the composition and a cohort that does not receive the composition.
  • Infection of a subject can be determined by analyzing a sample from the subject for the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 after suspected or confirmed exposure to SARS-CoV-2, or after an elapsed time in which exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is likely.
  • the infection rate can be reduced compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%.
  • the infection rate can be reduced compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or a range between any two foregoing values.
  • the present disclosure also provides methods for slowing or preventing reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 in a subject by administering to a subject infected with SARS-CoV-2 a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that can specifically bind to SARS-CoV-2.
  • polynucleotides e.g., mRNA
  • Slowing or preventing reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 can be determined for example by comparing the rate of reproduction of the virus in subjects infected SARS- CoV-2 between a cohort that receives the composition and a cohort that does not receive the composition.
  • Replication of SARS-CoV-2 can be determine for example by determining (directly or indirectly) the amount of SARS-CoV-2 in a sample acquired from the subject at different time points.
  • Assays that can be used to determine amount of SARS-CoV-2 in a sample can include a plaque assay, a focus forming assay, an endpoint dilution assay, a protein assay (e.g., a bicinchoninic acid assay or a single radial immunodiffusion assay), transmission electron microscopy, tunable resistive pulse sensing, flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, or another acceptable method.
  • An assay can be performed on a whole sample or a fraction of a sample, or SARS-CoV-2 can be isolated from the sample prior to performing an assay.
  • the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 can be slowed compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%. In some cases, the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 can be slowed compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or a range between any two foregoing values.
  • the present disclosure also provides methods of activating T cells in a subject comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that can specifically bind to SARS-CoV-2.
  • T cell activation can be elevated compared with subjects not administered the composition.
  • Activation of T cells can be determined for example by comparing the activation of T cells in subjects infected SARS-CoV-2 between a cohort that receives the composition and a cohort that does not receive the composition.
  • the activation of T cells in the subject can be directed to an anti-SARS-CoV-2 response in the subject.
  • Activated T cells in the subject can reduce severity of COVID-19 symptoms, death rate, time to recovery, or viral reproduction in the subject.
  • Activation of T cells can be measured for example by measuring T cell proliferation, measuring cytokine production (e.g., via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or enzyme-linked immunospot assays), or detection of cell-surface markers associated with T cell activation (e.g., CD69, CD40L, CD137, CD25, CD71, CD26, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD154, or CD134) for example by flow cytometry.
  • cytokine production e.g., via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or enzyme-linked immunospot assays
  • detection of cell-surface markers associated with T cell activation e.g., CD69, CD40L, CD137, CD25, CD71, CD26, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD154, or CD134
  • the T cell activation can be elevated compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%. In some cases, the T cell activation can be elevated compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or a range between any two foregoing values.
  • the present disclosure also provides methods for inducing T cell proliferation in a subject comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that can specifically bind to SARS-CoV-2.
  • T cell proliferation can be elevated compared with subjects not administered the composition.
  • T cell proliferation can be directed to an anti-SARS-CoV-2 response in the subject.
  • T cell proliferation in the subject can reduce or decrease severity of COVID-19 symptoms, death rate, time to recovery, or viral reproduction in the subject.
  • T cell proliferation can be determined for example by cell counting, viability staining, optical density assays, or detection of cell-surface markers associated with T cell activation (e.g., CD69, CD40L, CD137, CD25, CD71, CD26, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD154, or CD134) for example by flow cytometry.
  • T cell proliferation can be elevated compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%.
  • T cell proliferation can be elevated compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or a range between any two foregoing values.
  • the present disclosure also provides methods for inducing a memory T cell response in a subject comprising administering to a subject a composition comprising one or more polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that can specifically bind to SARS-CoV- 2.
  • a memory T cell response can be elevated compared with subjects not administered the composition.
  • a memory T cell response in the subject can reduce or decrease i severity of COVID-19 symptoms, death rate, time to recovery, or viral reproduction in the subject.
  • a memory T cell response can be directed to an anti-SARS-CoV-2 response in the subject.
  • a memory T cell response can be determined for example by measuring T cell markers associated with memory T cells, measuring local cytokine production related to memory immune response, or detecting memory T cell-surface markers for example by flow cytometry.
  • the memory T cell response can be elevated compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%.
  • the memory T cell response can be elevated compared with subjects not administered a composition comprising an mRNA molecule provided herein by about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or a range between any two foregoing values.
  • a polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) herein can be administered in any route available, including, but not limited to, enteral, gastroenteral, oral, transdermal, epicutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, nasal administration, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intraarterial, intramuscular, intraosseous infusion, transmucosal, insufflation, or sublingual administration.
  • mRNA of the present disclosure can be administered parenterally (e.g., includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intratumoral, intramuscular, intra-articular, intra-synovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intrahepatic, intralesional and injection or infusion techniques), intraventricularly, orally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, or via an implanted reservoir.
  • Actual dosage levels of antibody can be varied so as to obtain an amount of the active ingredient that is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response without being toxic to the patient.
  • the selected dosage level will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the particular antibody employed, the route of administration, the time of administration, the rate of excretion of the particular antibody being employed, the duration of the treatment, other drugs, compounds and/or materials used in combination with the particular composition employed, the age, sex, weight, condition, general health and prior medical history of the patient being treated, and like factors well known in the medical arts.
  • the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments herein can be administered to a subject in various dosing amounts and over various time frames.
  • a physician or veterinarian can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount (ED50) of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment required.
  • the physician or veterinarian could start doses of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment employed in the composition at levels lower than that required in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved. Alternatively, a dose can remain constant.
  • the antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be administered to a patient by any convenient route such as described above. Regardless of the route of administration selected, the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments, which can be used in a suitable hydrated form, and/or the compositions, are formulated into acceptable dosage forms.
  • Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of compounds can be determined by standard procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population).
  • the dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50. While compounds that exhibit toxic side effects may be used, care should be taken to design a delivery system that targets such compounds to the site of affected tissue in order to minimize potential damage to healthy cells and, thereby, reduce side effects.
  • Data obtained from cell culture assays and/or animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in humans.
  • the dosage of such compounds lies preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or no toxicity.
  • the dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.
  • a therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays.
  • a dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma concentration arrange that includes the IC50 (i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition) as determined in cell culture.
  • Levels in plasma can be measured, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography. Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans.
  • administering can be supplemented by one or more additional therapies or drugs such as, for example, respiratory therapy; one or more blood thinners or anti-coagulants; statins; hydroxy chloroquine; intubation; one or more antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, Azithromycin, etc.); one or more decongestants (e.g., Mucinex, Sudafed, etc.); one or more anti-histamines and/or glucocorticoids (e.g., Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra, fluticasone luroate, etc.); one or more pain relievers (e.g., acetominophen); one or more zinc- containing medications (e.g., Zycam, etc.); Azithromycin, hydroquinolone, or a combination thereof; one or more integrase inhibitors (e.g., Bictegravir,
  • Non-limiting examples of combinations include one or more of the antibodies or antigen- binding fragments herein to be administered with one or more of the following: (1) Azithromycin, hydroquinolone, or a combination thereof, (2) darunavir and cobicistat (Prezcobix), (3) lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra), (4) abacavir, lamivudine, and zidovudine (Trizivir), (5) abacavir and lamivudine (Epzicom), (6) emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (Descovy), (7) emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada), (8) lamivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Cimduo, Temixys), (9) lamivudine and zidovudine (Combivir), (10) , atazanavir
  • Non-limiting examples of combinations include one or more of the antibodies or antigen- binding fragments herein to be administered with one or more blood thinners.
  • Blood thinners to be co- administered include, but are not limited to, anti-platelet, and anti-coagulation medications.
  • Antiplatelet medications are those such as, for example, aspirin, clopidogrel (PLAVIX®); prasugrel (EFFIENT®); ticlopidine (TICLID®); ticagrelor (BRILINTA®); and combinations thereof.
  • Anticoagulants include, but are not limited to, Warfarin (COUMADIN®, JANTOVEN®); Heparin (e.g., FRAGMIN®, INNOHEP®, and LOVENOX®); Eabigatran (PRADAXA®); Epixaban (ELIQUIS®); Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) such as, for example, Rivaroxaban (XARELTO®); Factor Xa inhibitors such as, for example, Edoxaban (SAVAYSA®), Fondaparinux (ARIXTRA®); and combinations thereof.
  • Warfarin COUMADIN®, JANTOVEN®
  • Heparin e.g., FRAGMIN®, INNOHEP®, and LOVENOX®
  • Eabigatran PRADAXA®
  • ELIQUIS® Epixaban
  • NOACs Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants
  • NOACs such as, for example, Rivaroxaban (XARELTO®
  • a “sample” from a subject to be tested utilizing one or more of the assays herein includes, but is not limited to, a nasal swab, a tissue sample, saliva, blood, etc. In some instances, the sample is treated prior to use in a diagnostic assay.
  • a nasal swab may be flushed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS); a fluid sample may be centrifuged to concentrate the sample components; blood may be treated with heparin to prevent coagulation, etc.
  • Samples may be tested in any suitable assay including, but not limited to, an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an immunospot assay, a lateral flow assay, immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot, flow cytometry, etc.
  • ELISA enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
  • IHC immunohistochemistry
  • the sample is contacted with an antibody or antigen-binding fragment herein, and when the presence of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment bound to a SARS-CoV-2 is detected, the subject is diagnosed as being infected with SARS-CoV-2 and/or having a COVID-19 infection.
  • a sample obtained from a subject is contacted with an antibody or antigen- binding fragment herein that selectively binds to SARS-CoV-2 and the presence or absence of an antibody/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex or an antigen-binding fragment/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex is determined.
  • the subject is diagnosed as being infected with SARS-CoV-2 when the presence of the antibody/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex or the antigen-binding fragment/SARS-CoV-2 virus complex is detected.
  • Exemplary Definitions [00147] The term “about” as used herein, generally refers to a range that is 2%, 5%, 10%, 15% greater than or less than ( ⁇ ) a stated numerical value within the context of the particular usage. For example, “about 10” would include a range from 8.5 to 11.5.
  • the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
  • references to “a method” include one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.
  • Polypeptides e.g., proteins
  • polynucleotides e.g., nucleic acids
  • Methods of purifying proteins and nucleic acids are contemplated for use herein.
  • isolated when applied to polypeptides means a polypeptide or a portion thereof which, by virtue of its origin or manipulation: is present in a host cell as the expression product of a portion of an expression vector; is linked to a protein or other chemical moiety other than that to which it is linked in nature; or does not occur in nature, for example, a protein that is chemically manipulated by appending, or adding at least one hydrophobic moiety to the protein so that the protein is in a form not found in nature.
  • isolated it is further meant a protein that is: synthesized chemically or expressed in a host cell and purified away from associated and contaminating proteins.
  • substantially pure, isolated, or purified refers to material which is at least 50% pure (e.g., free from contaminants), at least 60% pure, at least 70% pure, at least 80% pure, at least 85% pure, at least 90% pure, at least 91% pure, at least 92% pure, at least 93% pure, at least 94% pure, at least 95% pure, at least 96% pure, at least 97% pure, at least 98% pure, or at least 99% pure.
  • Polypeptides can be isolated and purified from culture supernatant or ascites by saturated ammonium sulfate precipitation, an euglobulin precipitation method, a caproic acid method, a caprylic acid method, ion exchange chromatography (DEAE or DE52), or affinity chromatography using anti-Ig column or a protein A, protein G, or protein L column such as described in more detail below.
  • an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment also refers to an “isolated binding agent,” an “isolated antibody,” or an “isolated antigen-binding fragment.”
  • reference to a binding agent, an antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment also refers to a “purified binding agent,” a “purified antibody,” or a “purified antigen-binding fragment.”
  • Antibodies can be “isolated” and “purified” from the culture supernatant or ascites mentioned above by saturated ammonium sulfate precipitation, euglobulin precipitation method, caproic acid method, caprylic acid method, ion exchange chromatography (DEAE or DE52), or affinity chromatography using anti-Ig column or a protein A, G or L column using art-recognized conventional methods.
  • antibody refers to an immunoglobulin (Ig), polypeptide, or a protein having a binding domain which is, or is homologous to, an antigen-binding domain.
  • Ig immunoglobulin
  • the term further includes “antigen-binding fragments” and other interchangeable terms for similar binding fragments as described below.
  • Native antibodies and native immunoglobulins (Igs) are generally heterotetrameric glycoproteins of about 150,000 Daltons, composed of two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains. Each light chain is typically linked to a heavy chain by one covalent disulfide bond, while the number of disulfide linkages varies among the heavy chains of different immunoglobulin isotypes.
  • Each heavy and light chain also has regularly spaced intrachain disulfide bridges.
  • Each heavy chain has at one end a variable domain (“V H ”) followed by a number of constant domains (“C H ”).
  • Each light chain has a variable domain at one end (“V L ”) and a constant domain (“C L ”) at its other end; the constant domain of the light chain is aligned with the first constant domain of the heavy chain, and the light-chain variable domain is aligned with the variable domain of the heavy chain.
  • Particular amino acid residues are believed to form an interface between the light- and heavy-chain variable domains.
  • an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment comprises an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment, a purified antibody or antigen-binding fragment, a recombinant antibody or antigen-binding fragment, a modified antibody or antigen-binding fragment, or a synthetic antibody or antigen-binding fragment.
  • Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments herein can be partly or wholly synthetically produced.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be a polypeptide or protein having a binding domain which can be, or can be homologous to, an antigen-binding domain.
  • an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment can be produced in an appropriate in vivo animal model and then isolated and/or purified.
  • Antibodies useful in the present invention encompass, but are not limited to, monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody fragments (e.g., Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv, Fc, scFv, scFv-Fc, Fab- Fc, scFv-zipper, scFab, crossFab, camelids (VHH), etc.), chimeric antibodies, bispecific antibodies, multispecific antibodies, heteroconjugate antibodies, single chain (ScFv), mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising an antibody portion (e.g., a domain antibody), humanized antibodies, human antibodies, and any other modified configuration of the immunoglobulin molecule that comprises an antigen recognition site of the required specificity, including glycosylation variants of antibodies, amino acid sequence variants of antibodies, and covalently modified antibodies.
  • antibody fragments e.g., Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv, Fc, scFv, scF
  • immunoglobulins can be assigned to different classes. There are five major classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, and several of these may be further divided into subclasses (isotypes), e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2. An Ig or portion thereof can, in some cases, be a human Ig. In some instances, a CH3 domain can be from an immunoglobulin.
  • a chain or a part of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, a modified antibody or antigen-binding, or a binding agent can be from an Ig.
  • an Ig can be IgG, an IgA, an IgD, an IgE, or an IgM.
  • the Ig in cases where the Ig is an IgG, it can be a subtype of IgG, wherein subtypes of IgG can include IgG1, an IgG2a, an IgG2b, an IgG3, and an IgG4.
  • a CH3 domain can be from an immunoglobulin selected from the group consisting of an IgG, an IgA, an IgD, an IgE, and an IgM.
  • the “light chains” of antibodies (immunoglobulins) from any vertebrate species can be assigned to one of two clearly distinct types, called kappa or (“ ⁇ ” or “K”) and lambda or (“ ⁇ ”), based on the amino acid sequences of their constant domains.
  • a “monoclonal antibody” refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, e.g., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical except for possible naturally-occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts.
  • polyclonal antibody preparations typically include different antibodies directed against different determinants (epitopes)
  • each monoclonal antibody is directed against a single determinant on the antigen (epitope).
  • the modifier “monoclonal” indicates the character of the antibody as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies and is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by any particular method.
  • the monoclonal antibodies to be used in accordance with the present invention may be made by the hybridoma method or may be made by recombinant DNA methods.
  • the monoclonal antibodies may also be isolated from phage libraries. Other methods are known in the art and are contemplated for use herein.
  • a “variable region” of an antibody refers to the variable region of the antibody light chain or the variable region of the antibody heavy chain, either alone or in combination.
  • the variable regions of the heavy and light chain each consist of four framework regions (FR) connected by three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) also known as hypervariable regions.
  • FR framework regions
  • CDRs complementarity determining regions
  • variable domain refers to the variable domains of antibodies that are used in the binding and specificity of each particular antibody for its particular antigen. However, the variability is not evenly distributed throughout the variable domains of antibodies. Rather, it is concentrated in three segments called hypervariable regions (also known as CDRs) in both the light chain and the heavy chain variable domains.
  • variable domains More highly conserved portions of variable domains are called the “framework regions,” “FWs,” or “FRs.”
  • the variable domains of unmodified heavy and light chains each contain four FRs (FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4), largely adopting a ⁇ -sheet configuration interspersed with three CDRs which form loops connecting and, in some cases, part of the ⁇ -sheet structure.
  • the CDRs in each chain are held together in close proximity by the FRs and, with the CDRs from the other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen-binding site of antibodies.
  • a “constant region” of an antibody refers to the constant region of the antibody light chain or the constant region of the antibody heavy chain, either alone or in combination.
  • Epitope refers to that portion of an antigen or other macromolecule capable of forming a binding interaction with the variable region binding pocket of an antibody. Such binding interactions can be manifested as an intermolecular contact with one or more amino acid residues of one or more CDRs.
  • Antigen-binding can involve, for example, a CDR3 or a CDR3 pair or, in some cases, interactions of up to all six CDRs of the VH and VL chains.
  • An epitope can be a linear peptide sequence (“continuous”) or can be composed of noncontiguous amino acid sequences (“conformational” or “discontinuous”).
  • An antibody can recognize one or more amino acid sequences; therefore, an epitope can define more than one distinct amino acid sequence.
  • Epitopes recognized by antibodies can be determined by peptide mapping and sequence analysis techniques well known to one of skill in the art. Binding interactions are manifested as intermolecular contacts between an epitope on an antigen and one or more amino acid residues of a CDR.
  • An epitope provided herein can refer to an amino acid sequence on a receptor binding domain or a spike domain.
  • An antibody selectively binds to a target if it binds with greater affinity, avidity, more readily, and/or with greater duration than it binds to other substances.
  • an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that selectively binds to a SARS-CoV-2 epitope is an antibody or antigen- binding fragment that binds this epitope with greater affinity, avidity, more readily, and/or with greater duration than it binds to SARS-CoV-1 or MERS.
  • the term “Fc region” is used to define a C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain.
  • the “Fc region” may be a native sequence Fc region or a variant Fc region.
  • the human IgG heavy chain Fc region is usually defined to stretch from an amino acid residue at position Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus thereof.
  • the Fc region of an immunoglobulin generally comprises two constant domains, CH2 and CH3.
  • the terms “hypervariable region” and “CDR” when used herein, refer to the amino acid residues of an antibody which are responsible for antigen-binding.
  • the CDRs comprise amino acid residues from three sequence regions which bind in a complementary manner to an antigen and are known as CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 for each of the VH and VL chains.
  • framework region refers to framework amino acid residues that form a part of the antigen-binding pocket or groove.
  • the framework residues form a loop that is a part of the antigen-binding pocket or groove and the amino acids residues in the loop may or may not contact the antigen.
  • Framework regions generally comprise the regions between the CDRs. Framework regions of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments have been provided herein below.
  • the loop amino acids of a FR can be assessed and determined by inspection of the three- dimensional structure of an antibody heavy chain and/or antibody light chain.
  • the three-dimensional structure can be analyzed for solvent accessible amino acid positions as such positions are likely to form a loop and/or provide antigen contact in an antibody variable domain. Some of the solvent accessible positions can tolerate amino acid sequence diversity and others (e.g., structural positions) are, generally, less diversified.
  • the three-dimensional structure of the antibody variable domain can be derived from a crystal structure or protein modeling.
  • heavy chain heavy chain
  • light chain L chain
  • heavy chain variable region VH
  • light chain variable region VL
  • complementarity determining region CDR
  • first complementarity determining region CDR1
  • second complementarity determining region CDR2
  • third complementarity determining region CDR3
  • heavy chain first complementarity determining region VH CDR1
  • heavy chain second complementarity determining region VH CDR2
  • heavy chain third complementarity determining region VH CDR3
  • light chain first complementarity determining region VL CDR1
  • light chain second complementarity determining region VL CDR2
  • light chain third complementarity determining region VL CDR3
  • an anti- SARS-CoV-2 antibody is a monoclonal antibody.
  • a “monoclonal antibody” refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical except for possible naturally-occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts.
  • polyclonal antibody preparations typically include different antibodies directed against different determinants (epitopes)
  • each monoclonal antibody is directed against a single determinant on the antigen (epitope).
  • an anti- SARS-CoV-2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a humanized antibody or a humanized antigen-binding fragment.
  • “humanized” antibodies refer to forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies that are specific chimeric immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin chains, or fragments thereof that contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin.
  • humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues from a complementarity determining region (CDR) of the recipient are replaced by residues from a CDR of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat, or rabbit having the desired specificity, affinity, and biological activity.
  • CDR complementarity determining region
  • donor antibody non-human species
  • Fv framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues.
  • the humanized antibody may comprise residues that are found neither in the recipient antibody nor in the imported CDR or framework sequences but are included to further refine and optimize antibody performance.
  • a humanized antibody comprises substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the CDR regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR regions are those of a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence.
  • the humanized antibody optimally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region or domain (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin.
  • Fc immunoglobulin constant region or domain
  • Antibodies may have modified Fc regions.
  • Other forms of humanized antibodies have one or more CDRs (one, two, three, four, five, or six) which are altered with respect to the original antibody, which are also termed one or more CDRs “derived from” one or more CDRs from the original antibody.
  • an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment herein can be assessed for immunogenicity and, as needed, be deimmunized (i.e., the antibody is made less immunoreactive by altering one or more T cell epitopes).
  • a “deimmunized antibody” means that one or more T cell epitopes in an antibody sequence have been modified such that a T cell response after administration of the antibody to a subject is reduced compared to an antibody that has not been deimmunized.
  • Analysis of immunogenicity and T-cell epitopes present in the antibodies and antigen- binding fragments described herein can be carried out via the use of software and specific databases. Exemplary software and databases include iTopeTM developed by Antitope of Cambridge, England.
  • iTopeTM is an in silico technology for analysis of peptide binding to human MHC class II alleles.
  • the iTopeTM software predicts peptide binding to human MHC class II alleles and thereby provides an initial screen for the location of such “potential T cell epitopes.”
  • iTopeTM software predicts favorable interactions between amino acid side chains of a peptide and specific binding pockets within the binding grooves of 34 human MHC class II alleles. The location of key binding residues is achieved by the in silico generation of 9mer peptides that overlap by one amino acid spanning the test antibody variable region sequence.
  • Each 9mer peptide can be tested against each of the 34 MHC class II allotypes and scored based on their potential “fit” and interactions with the MHC class II binding groove. Peptides that produce a high mean binding score (>0.55 in the iTopeTM scoring function) against >50% of the MHC class II alleles are considered as potential T cell epitopes. In such regions, the core 9 amino acid sequence for peptide binding within the MHC class II groove is analyzed to determine the MHC class II pocket residues (P1, P4, P6, P7, and P9) and the possible T cell receptor (TCR) contact residues (P-l, P2, P3, P5, P8).
  • TCR T cell receptor
  • An anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be a human antibody or human antigen-binding fragment.
  • a “human antibody” means an antibody having an amino acid sequence corresponding to that of an antibody produced by a human and/or that has been made using any suitable technique for making human antibodies.
  • a human antibody includes antibodies comprising at least one human heavy chain polypeptide or at least one human light chain polypeptide.
  • One such example is an antibody comprising murine light chain and human heavy chain polypeptides.
  • the human antibody is selected from a phage library, where that phage library expresses human antibodies.
  • Human antibodies can also be made by introducing human immunoglobulin loci into transgenic animals, e.g., mice in which the endogenous immunoglobulin genes have been partially or completely inactivated.
  • the human antibody may be prepared by immortalizing human B lymphocytes that produce an antibody directed against a target antigen (such B lymphocytes may be recovered from an individual or may have been immunized in vitro).
  • Bispecific antibodies are antibodies that have binding specificities for at least two different antigens or different affinities for the same antigen.
  • Bispecific antibodies can be prepared using the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments disclosed herein.
  • the recombinant production of bispecific antibodies was based on the co-expression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs, with the two heavy chains having different specificities.
  • Bispecific antibodies can be composed of a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain with a first binding specificity in one arm, and a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pair (providing a second binding specificity) in the other arm.
  • antibody variable domains with the desired binding specificities are fused to immunoglobulin constant domain sequences.
  • the fusion can be with an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant domain, comprising at least part of the hinge, CH2 and CH3 regions.
  • the first heavy chain constant region (CH1), containing the site necessary for light chain binding, can be present in at least one of the fusions.
  • DNAs encoding the immunoglobulin heavy chain fusions and, if desired, the immunoglobulin light chain are inserted into separate expression vectors, and are co-transfected into a suitable host organism.
  • This provides for great flexibility in adjusting the mutual proportions of the three polypeptide fragments in embodiments when unequal ratios of the three polypeptide chains used in the construction provide the optimum yields. It is, however, possible to insert the coding sequences for two or all three polypeptide chains in one expression vector when the expression of at least two polypeptide chains in equal ratios results in high yields or when the ratios are of no particular significance.
  • Heteroconjugate antibodies, comprising two covalently joined antibodies are also within the scope of the disclosure.
  • an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody described herein is a chimeric antibody.
  • “Chimeric” forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies include chimeric antibodies which contain minimal sequence derived from a non-human Ig.
  • chimeric antibodies are murine antibodies in which at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin, is inserted in place of the murine Fc.
  • Chimeric or hybrid antibodies also may be prepared in vitro using suitable methods of synthetic protein chemistry, including those involving cross- linking agents.
  • immunotoxins may be constructed using a disulfide exchange reaction or by forming a thioether bond.
  • suitable reagents for this purpose include iminothiolate and methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate.
  • a binding agent selectively binds to an epitope on a single antigen.
  • a binding agent is bivalent and either selectively binds to two distinct epitopes on a single antigen or binds to two distinct epitopes on two distinct antigens.
  • a binding agent is multivalent (i.e., trivalent, quatravalent, etc.) and the binding agent binds to three or more distinct epitopes on a single antigen or binds to three or more distinct epitopes on two or more (multiple) antigens.
  • Functional fragments of any of the antibodies herein are also contemplated.
  • the terms “antigen-binding portion of an antibody,” “antigen-binding fragment,” “antigen-binding domain,” “antibody fragment,” or a “functional fragment of an antibody” are used interchangeably herein to refer to one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to an antigen.
  • antigen-binding fragments include, but are not limited to, a Fab, a Fab', a F(ab')2, a Fv, a scFv, a dsFv, a variable heavy domain, a variable light domain, a variable NAR domain, bi-specific scFv, a bi-specific Fab 2 , a tri-specific Fab 3 , an AVIMER®, a minibody, a diabody, a maxibody, a camelid, a VHH, an intrabody, fusion proteins comprising an antibody portion (e.g., a domain antibody), a single chain binding polypeptide, a scFv-Fc, or a Fab-Fc.
  • an antibody portion e.g., a domain antibody
  • a single chain binding polypeptide e.g., a scFv-Fc, or a Fab-Fc.
  • F(ab') 2 ” and “Fab'“ moieties can be produced by treating an Ig with a protease such as pepsin and papain, and include antibody fragments generated by digesting immunoglobulin near the disulfide bonds existing between the hinge regions in each of the two heavy chains.
  • a protease such as pepsin and papain
  • papain cleaves IgG upstream of the disulfide bonds existing between the hinge regions in each of the two heavy chains to generate two homologous antibody fragments in which an light chain composed of V L and C L (light chain constant region), and a heavy chain fragment composed of V H and C H ⁇ 1 ( ⁇ 1) region in the constant region of the heavy chain) are connected at their C terminal regions through a disulfide bond.
  • Fab' Each of these two homologous antibody fragments is called Fab'.
  • Pepsin also cleaves IgG downstream of the disulfide bonds existing between the hinge regions in each of the two heavy chains to generate an antibody fragment slightly larger than the fragment in which the two above-mentioned Fab' are connected at the hinge region.
  • This antibody fragment is called F(ab') 2 .
  • the Fab fragment also contains the constant domain of the light chain and the first constant domain (CH1) of the heavy chain.
  • Fab' fragments differ from Fab fragments by the addition of a few residues at the carboxyl terminus of the heavy chain CH1 domain including one or more cysteine(s) from the antibody hinge region.
  • Fab'-SH is the designation herein for Fab' in which the cysteine residue(s) of the constant domains bear a free thiol group.
  • F(ab')2 antibody fragments originally were produced as pairs of Fab' fragments which have hinge cysteines between them. Other chemical couplings of antibody fragments are also known.
  • a “Fv” as used herein refers to an antibody fragment which contains a complete antigen- recognition and antigen-binding site. This region consists of a dimer of one heavy chain and one light chain variable domain in tight, non-covalent or covalent association. It is in this configuration that the three CDRs of each variable domain interact to define an antigen-binding site on the surface of the VH-VL dimer.
  • a combination of one or more of the CDRs from each of the VH and VL chains confer antigen-binding specificity to the antibody.
  • the CDRH3 and CDRL3 could be sufficient to confer antigen-binding specificity to an antibody when transferred to VH and VL chains of a recipient antibody or antigen-binding fragment and this combination of CDRs can be tested for binding, specificity, affinity, etc. using any of the techniques described herein.
  • Even a single variable domain (or half of an Fv comprising only three CDRs specific for an antigen) has the ability to recognize and bind antigen, although likely at a lower specificity or affinity than when combined with a second variable domain.
  • VL and VH are coded for by separate genes, they can be joined using recombinant methods by a synthetic linker that enables them to be made as a single protein chain in which the VL and VH regions pair to form monovalent molecules (known as single chain Fv (scFv).
  • scFv single chain Fv
  • Any VH and VL sequences of specific scFv can be linked to an Fc region cDNA or genomic sequences in order to generate expression vectors encoding complete Ig (e.g., IgG) molecules or other isotypes.
  • V H and V L can also be used in the generation of Fab, Fv, or other fragments of Igs using either protein chemistry or recombinant DNA technology.
  • Single-chain Fv” or “sFv” antibody fragments comprise the V H and V L domains of an antibody, wherein these domains are present in a single polypeptide chain.
  • the Fv polypeptide further comprises a polypeptide linker between the V H and V L domains which enables the sFv to form the desired structure for antigen binding.
  • AVIMER® refers to a class of therapeutic proteins of human origin, which are unrelated to antibodies and antibody fragments, and are composed of several modular and reusable binding domains, referred to as A-domains (also referred to as class A module, complement type repeat, or LDL-receptor class A domain). They were developed from human extracellular receptor domains by in vitro exon shuffling and phage display. The resulting proteins can contain multiple independent binding domains that can exhibit improved affinity and/or specificity compared with single-epitope binding proteins. Each of the known 217 human A-domains comprises ⁇ 35 amino acids ( ⁇ 4 kDa); and these domains are separated by linkers that average five amino acids in length.
  • Antigen-binding polypeptides also include heavy chain dimers such as, for example, antibodies from camelids and sharks. Camelid and shark antibodies comprise a homodimeric pair of two chains of V-like and C-like domains (neither has a light chain).
  • VHH domains VHH domains.
  • Shark Ig-NARs comprise a homodimer of one variable domain (termed a V-NAR domain) and five C-like constant domains (C-NAR domains).
  • camelids the diversity of antibody repertoire is determined by the CDRs 1, 2, and 3 in the VH or VHH regions.
  • the CDR3 in the camel VHH region is characterized by its relatively long length, averaging 16 amino acids.
  • a “maxibody” refers to a bivalent scFv covalently attached to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin.
  • a “dsFv” can be a Fv fragment obtained by introducing a Cys residue into a suitable site in each of a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region, and then stabilizing the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region by a disulfide bond.
  • the site in each chain, into which the Cys residue is to be introduced can be determined based on a conformation predicted by molecular modeling.
  • a conformation is predicted from the amino acid sequences of the heavy chain variable region and light chain variable region of the above- described antibody, and DNA encoding each of the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region, into which a mutation has been introduced based on such prediction, is then constructed.
  • the DNA construct is incorporated then into a suitable vector and prepared from a transformant obtained by transformation with the aforementioned vector.
  • Single chain variable region fragments (“scFv”) of antibodies are described herein. Single chain variable region fragments may be made by linking light and/or heavy chain variable regions by using a short linking peptide.
  • the single chain variants can be produced either recombinantly or synthetically.
  • an automated synthesizer can be used for synthetic production of scFv.
  • a suitable plasmid containing polynucleotide that encodes the scFv can be introduced into a suitable host cell, either eukaryotic, such as yeast, plant, insect, or mammalian cells, or prokaryotic, such as E. coli.
  • Polynucleotides encoding the scFv of interest can be made by routine manipulations such as ligation of polynucleotides.
  • the resultant scFv can be isolated using any suitable protein purification techniques.
  • Diabodies can be single chain antibodies. Diabodies can be bivalent, bispecific antibodies in which VH and VL domains are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but using a linker that is too short to allow for pairing between the two domains on the same chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair with complementary domains of another chain and creating two antigen-binding sites.
  • a “minibody” refers to a scFv fused to CH3 via a peptide linker (hingeless) or via an IgG hinge.
  • an “intrabody” refers to a single chain antibody which demonstrates intracellular expression and can manipulate intracellular protein function.
  • Transbodies are cell-permeable antibodies in which a protein transduction domains (PTD) is fused with single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies.
  • PTD protein transduction domains
  • scFv single chain variable fragment
  • a “scFv-Fc” fragment as described herein refers to an scFv attached to an Fc domain.
  • an Fc domain may be attached to the C-terminal of the scFv.
  • the Fc domain may follow the VH or VL, depending on the orientation of the variable domains in the scFv (i.e., VH-VL or VL). Any suitable Fc domain known in the art or described herein may be used.
  • the Fc domain comprises an IgG1 Fc domain or an IgG4 Fc domain.
  • a scFv-Fc format allows for rapid characterization of candidate scFvs isolated from phage display libraries before conversion into a full-length IgG. This format offers several advantages over the phage display-derived scFv, including bivalent binding, longer half-life, and Fc-mediated effector functions.
  • a detailed method is presented, which describes the cloning, expression, and purification of an scFv-Fc fragment, starting from scFv fragments obtained from a phage display library. This method facilitates the rapid screening of candidate antibodies, prior to a more time-consuming conversion into a full IgG format.
  • a single-chain Fv includes the heavy and light chains in the Fv of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody herein joined with a flexible peptide linker (e.g., of about 10, 12, 15 or more amino acid residues) in a single peptide chain.
  • the single chain antibody may be monovalent, if only a single VH and VL are used, bivalent, if two VH and VL are used, or polyvalent, if more than two VH and VL are used.
  • the entire Fc region is attached to the scFv.
  • only the CH3 region of a Fc is attached to the scFv (a “scFv-CH).
  • a “scFab” as described herein refers to an antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to SARS-CoV-2 is fused via a peptide linker to the C-terminus to one of the heavy chains.
  • a “scFv zipper” as described herein refers to constructs of leucine zipper-based dimerization cassettes for the conversion of recombinant monomeric scFv antibody fragments to bivalent and bispecific dimers. A truncated murine IgG3 hinge region and a Fos or Jun leucine zipper are cloned into four scFv fragments. Cysteine residues flanking the zipper region are introduced to covalently link dimerized scFv fragments.
  • a “cross-Fab fragment” or “xFab fragment” or “crossover Fab fragment” as described herein refers to a Fab fragment, wherein either the variable regions or the constant regions of the heavy and light chain are exchanged.
  • Two different chain compositions of a crossover Fab molecule are possible and comprised within the scope of bispecific antibodies and antigen-binding fragments described herein.
  • the variable regions of the Fab heavy and light chain are exchanged, i.e.
  • the crossover Fab molecule comprises a peptide chain composed of the light chain variable region (VL) and the heavy chain constant region (CH1), and a peptide chain composed of the heavy chain variable region (VH) and the light chain constant region (CL).
  • This crossover Fab molecule is also referred to as CrossFab VLVH.
  • the crossover Fab molecule comprises a peptide chain composed of the heavy chain variable region (VH) and the light chain constant region (CL), and a peptide chain composed of the light chain variable region (VL) and the heavy chain constant region (CH1).
  • This crossover Fab molecule is also referred to as CrossFab CLCH1.
  • a “Fab-Fc” fragment as described herein refers to a Fab fragment that is attached to a CH1, CH2, and/or a CH3 region of a Fc, where the molecule does not contain all of a CH1, CH2, and CH3.
  • the terms “single domain antibody” and “sdAb” refer to a single-chain antibody polypeptide consisting of a single monomeric variable antibody domain.
  • VHH refers to molecules engineered from heavy-chain antibodies found in camelids.
  • the terms “shark new antigen receptor”, “VNAR” and “IgNAR” as used herein refer to molecules obtained from the heavy-chain antibodies of cartilaginous fish, such as sharks.
  • Single-domain antibodies can also be obtained by splitting dimeric variable domains from common immunoglobulin G (IgG) into monomers.
  • Single-domain antibodies are typically about 110 amino acids long and have a typical molecular weight in the region of from about 12 to about 15 kDa. As such, single-domain antibodies are much smaller than common antibodies (150-160 kDa), and even smaller than Fab fragments (which consist of one light chain and half a heavy chain and have a molecular weight of about 50 kDa) and single-chain variable fragments (which consist of two variable domains, one from a light and one from a heavy chain, and have a molecular weight of about 25 kDa).
  • Suitable linkers may be used to link various parts of recombinant or synthetic antibodies or antigen-binding fragments or to multimerize binding agents.
  • Linkers of other sequences have been designed and used. Linkers can in turn be modified for additional functions, such as attachment of drugs or attachment to solid supports.
  • Fab and scFab fragments may be stabilized via natural disulfide bonds between the CL domain and the CH1 domain.
  • Antigen-binding fragments comprising a heavy chain variable domain (VH) and a light chain variable domain (VL), such as the Fab, crossFab, scFv and scFab fragments as described herein might be further stabilized by introducing interchain disulfide bridges between the VH and the VL domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the Fab fragment(s), the crossFab fragment(s), the scFv fragment(s) and/or the scFab fragment(s) comprised in the antigen-binding receptors according to the invention might be further stabilized by generation of interchain disulfide bonds via insertion of cysteine residues. Such stabilized antigen-binding moieties are referred to by the term “ds”.
  • Cysteine engineered antibodies are made reactive for conjugation with linker-degrader intermediates described herein, by treatment with a reducing agent such as DTT (Cleland's reagent, dithiothreitol) or TCEP (tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride followed by re-formation of the inter-chain disulfide bonds (re-oxidation) with a mild oxidant such as dehydroascorbic acid.
  • a reducing agent such as DTT (Cleland's reagent, dithiothreitol) or TCEP (tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride followed by re-formation of the inter-chain disulfide bonds (re-oxidation) with a mild oxidant such as dehydroascorbic acid.
  • affinity matured antibodies can be produced by any suitable procedure. The following methods may be used for adjusting the affinity of an antibody and for characterizing a CDR
  • library scanning mutagenesis One way of characterizing a CDR of an antibody and/or altering (such as improving) the binding affinity of a polypeptide, such as an antibody, is termed “library scanning mutagenesis.”
  • library scanning mutagenesis works as follows. One or more amino acid position in the CDR is replaced with two or more (such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20) amino acids. This generates small libraries of clones (in some embodiments, one for every amino acid position that is analyzed), each with a complexity of two or more members (if two or more amino acids are substituted at every position).
  • the library also includes a clone comprising the native (unsubstituted) amino acid.
  • such a bi-specific or multi-specific antibody or antigen-binding fragment can specifically bind to 2 or more different antigens.
  • a bi-specific antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be a bivalent antibody or antigen-binding fragment.
  • a multi specific antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be a bivalent antibody or antigen-binding fragment, a trivalent antibody or antigen-binding fragment, or a quatravalent antibody or antigen-binding fragment.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein can be an isolated, purified, recombinant, or synthetic.
  • affinity refers to the equilibrium constant for the reversible binding of two agents and is expressed as K D .
  • the binding affinity (K D ) of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein can be less than 50 nM, 49 nM, 48 nM, 47 nM, 46 nM, 45 nM, 44 nM, 43 nM, 42 nM, 41 nM, 40 nM, 39 nM, 38 nM, 37 nM, 36 nM, 35 nM, 34 nM, 33 nM, 32 nM, 31 nM, 30 nM, 29 nM, 28 nM, 27 nM, 26 nM, 25 nM, 24 nM, 23 nM, 22 nM, 21 nM, 20 nM, 19 nM, 18 nM, 17 nM, 16 nM, 15 nM, 14 nM, 13 nM, 12
  • Binding affinity may be determined using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), Kinexa Biocensor, scintillation proximity assays, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), ORIGEN immunoassay (IGEN), fluorescence quenching, fluorescence transfer, yeast display, or any combination thereof. Binding affinity may also be screened using a suitable bioassay.
  • the term “avidity” refers to the resistance of a complex of two or more agents to dissociation after dilution. Apparent affinities can be determined by methods such as an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or any other technique familiar to one of skill in the art.
  • Avidities can be determined by methods such as a Scatchard analysis or any other technique familiar to one of skill in the art.
  • An antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be modified by making one or more substitutions in the amino acid sequence using a conservative or a non-conservative substitution such that the resulting modified antibody exhibits about 80% homology to a sequence described herein.
  • the phrase “conservative amino acid substitution” refers to grouping of amino acids on the basis of certain common properties. A functional way to define common properties between individual amino acids is to analyze the normalized frequencies of amino acid changes between corresponding proteins of homologous organisms (Schulz, G. E. and R. H. Schirmer, Principles of Protein Structure, Springer-Verlag).
  • groups of amino acids may be defined where amino acids within a group exchange preferentially with each other, and therefore resemble each other most in their impact on the overall protein structure.
  • amino acid groups defined in this manner include: (i) a charged group, consisting of Glu and Asp, Lys, Arg and His; (ii) a positively-charged group, consisting of Lys, Arg and His; (iii) a negatively-charged group, consisting of Glu and Asp; (iv) an aromatic group, consisting of Phe, Tyr and Trp; (v) a nitrogen ring group, consisting of His and Trp; (vi) a large aliphatic non-polar group, consisting of Val, Leu and Ile; (vii) a slightly-polar group, consisting of Met and Cys; (viii) a small-residue group, consisting of Ser, Thr, Asp, Asn, Gly, Ala, Glu, Gln and Pro; (ix) an aliphatic non-
  • each amino acid residue may form its own group, and the group formed by an individual amino acid may be referred to simply by the one and/or three letter abbreviation for that amino acid commonly used in the art as described above.
  • a “conserved residue” is an amino acid that is relatively invariant across a range of similar proteins. Often conserved residues will vary only by being replaced with a similar amino acid, as described above for “conservative amino acid substitution.”
  • the letter “x” or “xaa” as used in amino acid sequences herein is intended to indicate that any of the twenty standard amino acids may be placed at this position unless specifically noted otherwise.
  • identity means the percentage of identical nucleotide or amino acid residues at corresponding positions in two or more sequences when the sequences are aligned to maximize sequence matching, i.e., taking into account gaps and insertions. Identity can be readily calculated by known methods, including but not limited to those described in Computational Molecular Biology, Lesk, A. M., ed., Oxford University Press, New York, 1988; Biocomputing: Informatics and Genome Projects, Smith, D. W., ed., Academic Press, New York, 1993; Computer Analysis of Sequence Data, Part I, Griffin, A. M., and Griffin, H.
  • Polynucleotide or “nucleic acid,” as used interchangeably herein, refer to polymers of nucleotides of any length, and include DNA and RNA.
  • the nucleotides can be deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, modified nucleotides or bases, and/or their analogs, or any substrate that can be incorporated into a polymer by DNA or RNA polymerase.
  • a polynucleotide may comprise modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and their analogs.
  • modification to the nucleotide structure may be imparted before or after assembly of the polymer.
  • the sequence of nucleotides may be interrupted by non-nucleotide components.
  • a polynucleotide may be further modified after polymerization, such as by conjugation with a labeling component.
  • modifications include, for example, “caps,” substitution of one or more of the naturally-occurring nucleotides with an analog, internucleotide modifications such as, for example, those with uncharged linkages (e.g., methyl phosphonates, phosphotriesters, phosphoamidates, carbamates, etc.) and with charged linkages (e.g., phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, etc.), those containing pendant moieties, such as, for example, proteins (e.g., nucleases, toxins, antibodies, signal peptides, ply-L-lysine, etc.), those with intercalators (e.g., acridine, psoralen, etc.), those containing chelators (e.g., metals, radioactive metals, boron, oxidative metals, etc.), those containing alkylators, those with modified linkages (e.g., alpha anomeric nucleic acids, etc.
  • any of the hydroxyl groups ordinarily present in the sugars may be replaced, for example, by phosphonate groups, phosphate groups, protected by standard protecting groups, or activated to prepare additional linkages to additional nucleotides, or may be conjugated to solid supports.
  • the 5' and 3' terminal OH can be phosphorylated or substituted with amines or organic capping group moieties of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
  • Other hydroxyls may also be derivatized to standard protecting groups.
  • Polynucleotides can also contain analogous forms of ribose or deoxyribose sugars including, for example, 2'-O-methyl-, 2'-O-allyl, 2'-fluoro- or 2'-azido-ribose, carbocyclic sugar analogs, alpha-anomeric sugars, epimeric sugars such as arabinose, xyloses, or lyxoses, pyranose sugars, furanose sugars, sedoheptuloses, acyclic analogs, and abasic nucleoside analogs such as methyl riboside.
  • One or more phosphodiester linkages may be replaced by alternative linking groups.
  • linking groups include, but are not limited to, embodiments wherein phosphate is replaced by P(O)S(“thioate”), P(S)S (“dithioate”), (O)NR 2 (“amidate”), P(O)R, P(O)OR', CO, or CH 2 (“formacetal”), in which each R or R' is independently H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (1-20 C) optionally containing an ether (--O--) linkage, aryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or araldyl. Not all linkages in a polynucleotide need be identical.
  • RNA molecules that encode one or more of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments described herein.
  • Such one or more RNA molecules may be present in a vector for administration to a subject.
  • polynucleotides such as RNA, for example mRNA
  • Antibody or antigen-binding fragments encoded by polynucleotides can include antibodies or antigen-binding fragments.
  • Polynucleotides can be administered to a subject to prevent infection of the subject by SARS-CoV-2 or to treat a subject infected by SARS-CoV-2.
  • antibodies or antigen-binding fragments can be produced in a subject that has been administered a polynucleotide described herein.
  • Polynucleotides can comprise genetic material encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment (e.g., DNA or mRNA).
  • polynucleotides can be in a vector, such as a viral vector or an artificial chromosome such as a human artificial chromosome.
  • polynucleotides can additionally comprise a promoter, a terminator, a sequence encoding a tag, a sequence encoding a second antibody or antigen-binding fragment, or a sequence encoding a molecule that can aid in folding or function of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment.
  • polynucleotides can be used to prevent and/or treat disease caused by SARS- CoV-2 or a similar virus (e.g., COVID-19); i.e., polynucleotides can have prophylactic or therapeutic uses, or both prophylactic and therapeutic uses. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides methods to prevent and/or treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.
  • Such methods can comprise administering to a subject one or more mRNA molecules encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that can specifically bind to SARS-CoV-2.
  • An antibody library herein can comprise a plurality of antibodies and/or antigen-binding fragments.
  • the plurality of antibodies and/or antigen-binding fragments can be at least 1.0 x 10 6 , 1.0 x 10 7 , 1.0 x 10 8 , 1.0 x 10 9 , 1.0 x 10 10 , 2.0 x 10 10 , 3.0 x 10 10 , 4.0 x 10 10 , 5.0 x 10 10 , 6.0 x 10 10 , 7.0 x 10 10 , 8.0 x 10 10 , 9.0 x 10 10 , or 10.0 x 10 10 .
  • the practices of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecular biology (including recombinant techniques), microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry and immunology, which are within the skill of the art.
  • Example 1 Kinetics and Affinity Determination of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 scFv by Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • SPR surface plasmon resonance
  • HBSTE 10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.01% (v/v) Tween-20
  • the capture surface was prepared by standard amine-coupling of anti-V5 tag antibody (catalog No. ab27671, Abcam, Cambridge, MA) on the entire chip surface as follows.
  • the chip was activated with a 10-min injection of a freshly prepared 1:1:1 (v/v/v) mixture of 0.4 M 1-Ethyl-3-(3- Dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) + 0.1 M N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide (sNHS) + 0.1 M 2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (MES) pH 5.5.
  • EDC 1-Ethyl-3-(3- Dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride
  • sNHS N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide
  • MES 2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid
  • anti-V5 tag antibody was diluted to 50 ⁇ g/ml in 10 mM sodium acetate pH 4.3 and coupled for 14 min. Excess reactive esters were blocked with a 10-min injection of 1 M ethanolamine HCl pH 8.5.
  • a library of anti-SARS-CoV-2 scFv clones was supplied as plates of crude bacterial periplasmic extracts (PPE) and diluted 2-fold in running buffer. ScFv samples were flow printed for 15-min in batches of 96 PPE’s in parallel using the 96 channel printhead to generate a 384-ligand array comprising 1 spot per scFv.
  • the running buffer HBST (10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 0.01% (v/v) Tween-20) was supplemented with 0.5 mg/ml BSA. Surfaces were stabilized with seven to eight buffer analyte injections.
  • SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) proteins were prepared at concentrations of 0, 3.7, 11.1, 33.3, 100, 37, and 300 nM and these samples were injected as analyte for 5 min, allowing a 15-min dissociation time. Samples were injected in ascending concentration without any regeneration in between them. Binding data from the local reference spots were subtracted from the active spots and the nearest buffer blank analyte responses were subtracted to double-reference the data.
  • the double-referenced data were fitted to a simple 1:1 Langmuir binding model in Carterra’s Kinetic Inspection Tool to give kinetics (k a , k d ), affinity (K D ), and R max value for each interaction.
  • the described clones each had a superior binding affinity of less than 50 nM.
  • the majority of the clones were identified as binding solely to SARS-CoV-2 (COV2), however, one clone (COVID19_B_R02_C08) was found to not only bind to Sars-Cov-2, but also to SARS1, SARS2, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) viruses.
  • COV2 SARS-CoV-2
  • MERS Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
  • Example 2 In vitro neutralization assay for SARS-CoV-2 virus Production and titration of pseudoviruses
  • spike genes from a SARS-CoV-2 virus strain were codon- optimized for human cells and cloned into eukaryotic expression plasmid to generate the envelope recombinant plasmids.
  • the pseudoviruses were produced and titrated using methods similar those described in Nie J. et al. (Emerg Microbes Infect.2020 Dec; 9(1):680-686), 293T cells were transfected with pseudovirus vectors using Lipofectamine system (ThermoFisher) following the manufacturer’s instruction.
  • SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses containing culture supernatants were harvested, filtered (0.45- ⁇ m pore size, Millipore, SLHP033RB) and stored at ⁇ 80°C in aliquots until use.
  • the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus is determined using a single-use aliquot from the pseudovirus bank; all stocks were used only once to avoid inconsistencies that could have resulted from repeated freezing-thawing cycles.
  • a 2-fold initial dilution is made in triplicates wells of 96-well culture plates followed by serial 3-fold dilutions (8 dilutions in total). The last column served as the cell control without the addition of pseudovirus. Then, 96-well plates were seeded with trypsin-treated Vero E6 mammalian transfectable cells adjusted to a pre-defined concentration. After 24 h incubation in a 5% CO2 environment at 37°C, the culture supernatant is aspirated gently to leave 100 ⁇ l in each well; then, 100 ⁇ l of luciferase substrate is added to each well.
  • TCID50 tissue culture infectious dose
  • Pseudovirus-based neutralization assay Neutralization is measured by the reduction in luciferase gene expression or GFP gene expression as described previously Nie J et al. Id.
  • the 50% inhibitory dilution (EC50) is defined as the dilution of the tested antibodies at which the relative light units (RLUs) were reduced by 50% compared with the virus control wells (virus+ cells) after subtraction of the background RLUs in the control groups with cells only.
  • pseudovirus in the TCID50 determined above is incubated with serial dilutions of the test samples (six dilutions in a 3-fold step-wise manner) in duplicate for 1 h at 37°C, together with the virus control and cell control wells in triplicate. Then, freshly trypsinized cells were added to each well. Following 24 h of incubation in a 5% CO2 environment at 37°C, the luminescence or fluoresce (depending on the reporter gene used) is measured as described above (relating to pseudovirus titration). The EC50 values were calculated with non-linear regression, i.e., log (inhibitor) vs.
  • Tm1 (°C) and IC50 ( ⁇ g/mL) for a subset of the clones is as follows:
  • Competition assay of the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with ACE2 is conducted in a classical sandwich and a premix assay format using a ForteBio Octet HTX biolayer interferometry instrument (Molecular Devices ForteBio LLC, Fremont, CA) at 25 °C with running buffer HBST (10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 0.01% (v/v) Tween-20, pH 7.4) supplemented with 1 mg/mL BSA.
  • HBST 10 mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 0.01% (v/v) Tween-20, pH 7.4
  • An Anti-V5 tag antibody (catalog No. ab27671, Abcam, Cambridge, MA) is biotinylated with a 5:1 molar ratio of sulfo-NHS-LC-LC-biotin (catalog No.21338, ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA) and buffer exchanged into PBS using ThermoFisher Zeba 7K MWCO columns (catalog No.89883, ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA).
  • Streptavidin sensor tips (catalog no.18-5021, Molecular Devices ForteBio LLC, Fremont, CA) are equilibrated in buffer for 10-min before the run.
  • Sample plates are agitated at 1000 rpm.
  • sensors are exposed to buffer for 60 sec to establish a baseline.
  • the biotinylated anti-V5 tag antibody at 7 ⁇ g/mL are loaded onto the sensors for 5-min to prepare an anti-V5 surface.
  • To block remaining free biotin binding sites all sensors are exposed for 5-min with 20 ⁇ M amine-PEG2-biotin (catalog No. 21346, ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA) followed by two alternating 30-sec cycles of 10 mM glycine-HCl pH1.7 and buffer to precondition the sensors.
  • a baseline in buffer is established for 60-sec and anti-SARS- CoV-2 scFv clones as PPE undiluted are captured for 2-min onto the anti-V5 sensor tips.
  • Baseline in buffer is recorded for 60-sec followed by association of buffer, a premixed complex of 100 nM SARS- CoV-2 + 500 nM ACE2, or 100 nM SARS-CoV-2.
  • Dissociation in buffer is measured for 30-sec. After each binding cycle, sensors are regenerated with two alternating 30-sec cycles of 10 mM glycine-HCl pH1.7 and buffer.
  • Example 4 In vivo hamster model for Sars-COV2 infections [00227] Competent 6-8 weeks old Syrian golden hamsters females (Charles River Laboratories or Harlan Laboratories) are housed three per cage in a biosafety level 3-4 animal facility in UTMB Galveston. Animals will be acclimatized in the BSL-3-4 biosafety containment 3-5 days before the experiment begins. Animal will be housed and treated as recommended by Institutional Biosafety and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees.
  • Animals are injected IP with 0.5 - 1 mL of either saline, a therapeutic antibody at 10mg/Kg (as disclosed herein), or an isotype control antibody at 10 mg/Kg, 24h before viral infection. Animals are acclimatized in the ABSL-3 biosafety containment. On the day of infection, hamsters (5 per group) will be inoculated with PBS or 10E5 (1 ⁇ 10 5 ) virus load via nasal cavity in a total volume of 100 ⁇ L (50 ⁇ L into each naris).
  • Hamsters’ bodyweight and viable signs (such as ruffled hair and lack of movement) will be monitored and recorded twice daily for 3 days and virus titers will be measured from a nasal swab on day 2. Hamsters will be sacrificed on day 3 and virus titers in homogenates of lung tissues will be determined.
  • H&E-stained lung tissues will be evaluated by a suitable scientist, medical professional, or veterinary professional (e.g., trained in pathology) to determine the severity of infection and amount of protection provided by the neutralizing antibodies.

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Abstract

La présente divulgation concerne des anticorps et des fragments de liaison à l'antigène qui peuvent être administrés à un individu infecté ou suspecté d'être infecté par un virus. Ces anticorps et fragments de liaison à l'antigène peuvent être capables de traiter ou de guérir le virus, et peuvent fournir une protection contre le virus pendant plusieurs semaines. Ces anticorps et fragments de liaison à l'antigène peuvent être utilisés pour diagnostiquer une infection par le SARS-CoV-2.
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