The immunology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the potential antibody based treatments and vaccination strategies

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a potentially fatal agent for a new emerging viral disease (COVID-19) is of great global public health emergency. Herein, we represented potential antibody-based treatments especially monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that may exert a potential role in treatment as well as developing vaccination strategies against COVID-19. Areas covered: We used PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov search strategies for relevant papers. We demonstrated some agents with potentially favorable efficacy as well as favorable safety. Several therapies are under assessment to evaluate their efficacy and safety for COVID19. However, the development of different strategies such as SARS-CoV-2-based vaccines and antibody therapy are urgently required beside other effective therapies such as plasma, anticoagulants, and immune as well as antiviral therapies. We encourage giving more attention to antibody-based treatments as an immediate strategy. Although there has not been any approved specific vaccine until now, developing vaccination strategies may have a protective effect against COVID-19. Expert opinion: An antiviral mAbs could be a safe and high-quality therapeutic intervention which is greatly recommended for COVID-19. Additionally, the high sequence homology between the SARS-CoV-2 and SARS/MERS viruses could shed light on developing to design a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

Automated summary

This article discusses the importance of antibody-based treatment strategies in addressing COVID-19, especially the potential of monoclonal antibodies. Various treatment options are currently being evaluated for their effectiveness and safety, with a focus on the development of vaccines and antibody therapies.