Key message
We isolated spike-specific memory B cells from COVID-19 convalescent donors, deciphered their immunoglobulin variable region genes, and generated a number of novel monoclonal antibodies that potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2. We were surprised to find that memory B cells not only remember past infections but also have the ability to anticipate future virus variants.
Translational perspective
With the progression of the pandemic, basically all licensed SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies had to be retracted from the market due to the appearance of viral immune escape mutations. Building on our observation, we intend to design antiviral antibodies that can be adapted to novel virus variants.
Original publication
Bruhn M, Obara M, Chiyyeadu A, Costa B, Salam A, Ziegler A, Waltl I, Pavlou A, Bonifacius A, Hoffmann M, Graalmann T, Pohlmann S, Eiz-Vesper B, Schambach A, Kalinke U (2023) Memory B cells anticipate SARS-CoV-2 variants through somatic hypermutation. J Infect