1. What is neutralization?

Neutralization is the process of antibodies blocking the viral infection.

2. What is a neutralizing antibody?^1,2

Neutralizing antibodies are antibodies that are capable of binding a virus and block infection; not all antibodies are capable of neutralization.

3. Why is it important?^1,2

Neutralizing antibodies are antibodies that are capable of binding a virus and block infection; not all antibodies are capable of neutralization.

4. Why is targeting the S1 protein of the virus important?

S1 is the virus protein that attaches to human cells. Human neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 target the S1 virus protein to disable the virus attachment to human cells, which will prevent the virus to invade the human cells and cause COVID 19 infection.

Measuring neutralization activity can help assess which convalescent plasma can be used for therapy. At this time, it is unknown for how long antibodies persist following infection and if the presence of antibodies confers protective immunity.

References:

1. Interpreting Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2, Opinion, JAMA, May 2020

2. Developing a National Strategy for Serology (Antibody) Testing in the United States – Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security April 2020