Currently available intravenous immunoglobulin (Gamunex^®-C and Flebogamma^®DIF) contains antibodies reacting against SARS-CoV-2 antigens

Abstract

Background: There is a critical need for effective therapies that are immediately available to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. In this study, we assessed currently marketed intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products for antibodies against human common coronaviruses that may cross-react with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Methods: Gamunex ® -C and Flebogamma ® DIF (Grifols) IVIG were tested against several betacoronaviruses antigens using ELISA techniques: HCoV (undetermined antigen), HCoV-HKU1 (N protein), SARS-CoV (culture lysate), MERS-CoV (N protein; S1 protein/RBD; S protein), and SARS-CoV-2 (S1 protein). Results: Both IVIG products showed consistent reactivity to components of the tested viruses. Positive cross-reactivity was seen in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. For SARS-CoV-2, positive reactivity was observed at IVIG concentrations ranging from 100 µg/mL with Gamunex-C to 1 mg/mL with Flebogamma 5% DIF. Conclusion:Gamunex-C and Flebogamma DIF IVIG contain antibodies reacting against SARS-CoV-2 antigens. These preparations may be useful for immediate treatment of COVID-19 disease.

Cross-neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2 is present in currently available intravenous immunoglobulins

“…The results presented here demonstrate, for the first time, significant cross-neutralization activity against SARS-CoV and especially SARS-CoV-2 in therapeutic IVIG concentrates (Flebogamma DIF and Gamunex-C). This neutralizing activity correlates with the cross-reactivity to different coronavirus antigens observed in ELISA binding assays with IVIG, as shown in a previous study 19 . The plasma used to manufacture the tested IVIG lots was collected prior the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe and the USA.…”

“…Recently, cross-reactivity in ELISA binding assays against antigens of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV has been reported with currently available intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) such as Gamunex-C and Flebogamma DIF 19 . In this study, the neutralization capacity of the IVIG products Gamunex-C and Flebogamma DIF against these epidemic human coronaviruses -SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV-was evaluated.…”

Convalescent Plasma Therapy for COVID-19: State of the Art

“…Plasma is also likely to contain antibodies against other common betacoronaviruses associated with the common cold, which have been shown to cross-react with SARS-CoV-2 antigens in intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) preparations (135), likely stemming from recent infection with another human betacoronavirus (128). Accordingly, IVIg led to clinical and radiological recovery in 3 Chinese patients with severe COVID-19 (136), and the same team is now leading a randomized controlled trial (NCT04261426).…”

Immunopathology and Immunopharmacotherapy of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19): Focus on Interleukin 6

“…Положительные результаты использования нескольких инфузий ВИГ при тяжелом течении COVID-19 получены в серии исследований [185,186]. Примечательно, что в некоторых препаратах ВИГ обнаружены антитела, перекрестно реагирующие с SARS-CoV-2 [187]. С другой стороны, полагают, что плазма выздоровевших больных COVID-19 оказывает позитивный эффект не только за счет содержания антивирусных нейтрализующих антител, но и вследствие иммуномодулирующих эффектов, сходных с таковыми ВИГ [188].…”