In vitro and in vivo functions of SARS-CoV-2 infection-enhancing and neutralizing antibodies

SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) protect against COVID-19. A concern regarding SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is whether they mediate disease enhancement. Here, we isolated NAbs against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) or the N-terminal domain (NTD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike from individuals with acute or convalescent SARS-CoV-2 or a history of SARS-CoV infection. Cryo-electron microscopy of RBD and NTD antibodies demonstrated function-specific modes of binding. Select RBD NAbs also demonstrated Fc receptor-gamma (FcgR)-mediated enhancement of virus infection in vitro, while five non-neutralizing NTD antibodies mediated FcgR-independent in vitro infection enhancement. However, both types of infection-enhancing antibodies protected from SARS-CoV-2 replication in monkeys and mice. Three of 46 monkeys infused with enhancing antibodies had higher lung inflammation scores compared to controls. One monkey had alveolar edema and elevated bronchoalveolar lavage inflammatory cytokines. Thus, while in vitro anti-body-enhanced infection does not necessarily herald enhanced infection in vivo, increased lung inflammation can rarely occur in SARS-CoV-2 antibody-infused macaques.

Automated summary

Research has shown that some SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies can enhance virus infection in vitro, but in monkeys and mice, these antibodies can still protect against SARS-CoV-2. However, out of 46 monkeys infused with enhancing antibodies, three showed higher lung inflammation scores compared to controls.