A chicken IgY can efficiently inhibit the entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting the ACE2 binding domain in vitro

COVID-19 pneumonia has now spread widely in the world. Currently, no specific antiviral drugs are available. The vaccine is the most effective way to control the epidemic. Passive immune antibodies are also an effective method to prevent and cure COVID-19 pneumonia. We used the SARS-CoV-2 S receptor-binding domain (RBD) as an antigen to immunize layers in order to extract, separate, and purify SARS-CoV-2-IgY from egg yolk. SARS-CoV-2-IgY (S-IgY)can block the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the Cells and reduce the viral load in cells. The Half effective concentration (EC ₅₀ ) of W3-IgY (S-IgY in the third week after immunization) is 1.35 ± 0.15nM. The EC ₅₀ of W9-IgY (S-IgY in the ninth week after immunization) is 2.76 ± 1.54 nM. When the dose of S-IgY is 55 nM, the fluorescence representing intracellular viral protein is obviously weakened in Immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results of Sars-CoV-2 /Vero E6 cell experiment confirmed that S-IgY has a strong antiviral effect on SARS-CoV-2, and its (EC ₅₀ ) is 27.78 ±1.54 nM vs 3,259 ± 159.62 nM of Redesivir (differ > 106 times P<0 . 001 ).

S-IgY can inhibit the entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2, which is related to its targeting the ACE2 binding domain.

S-IgY is safe, efficient, stable, and easy to obtain. This antibody can be an effective tool for preventing and treating COVID-19 pneumonia.

Abstract Figure

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Graphical Abstract

The figure briefly illustrates that the preparation and extraction of S-IgY and its anti-S-CoV-2 mechanism is to inhibit the entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting the ACE2.

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