Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 by antibodies to the proteolytic cleavage sites of the spike protein

• Applicant: Dr. Alexander Hahn
• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 458682915

Antibodies to linear epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have been discovered in sera from infected individuals and some of these epitopes lie next to or even encompass the proteolytic cleavage sites of the spike protein. Proteolytic processing is important for activation of the spike protein. We now want to test whether antibodies against these epitopes, which we generate through immunization of mice with the corresponding peptides, can inhibit the proteolytic activation of the spike protein, spike-mediated membrane fusion, and spike-driven infection.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Nicolas Winssinger