PLoS ONE (Jan 2022)

Bovine colostrum-derived antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 show great potential to serve as prophylactic agents

  • Kadri Kangro,
  • Mihhail Kurašin,
  • Kiira Gildemann,
  • Eve Sankovski,
  • Eva Žusinaite,
  • Laura Sandra Lello,
  • Raini Pert,
  • Ants Kavak,
  • Väino Poikalainen,
  • Lembit Lepasalu,
  • Marilin Kuusk,
  • Robin Pau,
  • Sander Piiskop,
  • Siimu Rom,
  • Ruth Oltjer,
  • Kairi Tiirik,
  • Karin Kogermann,
  • Mario Plaas,
  • Toomas Tiirats,
  • Birgit Aasmäe,
  • Mihkel Plaas,
  • Karl Mumm,
  • Dagni Krinka,
  • Ene Talpsep,
  • Meelis Kadaja,
  • Joachim M. Gerhold,
  • Anu Planken,
  • Andres Tover,
  • Andres Merits,
  • Andres Männik,
  • Mart Ustav,
  • Mart Ustav

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 6

Abstract

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to impose a serious burden on health systems globally. Despite worldwide vaccination, social distancing and wearing masks, the spread of the virus is ongoing. One of the mechanisms by which neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) block virus entry into cells encompasses interaction inhibition between the cell surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2-specific NAb development can be induced in the blood of cattle. Pregnant cows produce NAbs upon immunization, and antibodies move into the colostrum immediately before calving. Here, we immunized cows with SARS-CoV-2 S1 receptor binding domain (RBD) protein in proper adjuvant solutions, followed by one boost with SARS-CoV-2 trimeric S protein and purified immunoglobulins from colostrum. We demonstrate that this preparation indeed blocks the interaction between the trimeric S protein and ACE2 in different in vitro assays. Moreover, we describe the formulation of purified immunoglobulin preparation into a nasal spray. When administered to human subjects, the formulation persisted on the nasal mucosa for at least 4 hours, as determined by a clinical study. Therefore, we are presenting a solution that shows great potential to serve as a prophylactic agent against SARS-CoV-2 infection as an additional measure to vaccination and wearing masks. Moreover, our technology allows for rapid and versatile adaptation for preparing prophylactic treatments against other diseases using the defined characteristics of antibody movement into the colostrum.