Antibody found to block infection by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in cells.
The ‘47D11’ antibody targets the ‘spike protein’ of the destructive coronavirus.
It could alter the ‘course of infection’ or protect an uninfected person exposed.
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Scientists say they’ve discovered an antibody that blocks infection by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus behind the current global health crisis.
The antibody, known as 47D11, targets the deadly virus’s infamous ‘spike protein’, which it uses to hook onto cells and insert its genetic material.
Tests in mice cells showed that 47D11 binds to this protein and prevents it from hooking on – effectively neutralising it.