Clinical and Immunological Considerations of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in COVID-19 A Review

Abstract

Currently, effective methods for the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections have not been developed. This could be attributed to the unique pathogenesis of the coronavirus infection and the rapid global spread of the pandemic, which have posed challenges to ongoing research efforts. Similar to other viral infections, coronavirus infection leads to the development and dissemination of the inflammatory process, resulting in viremia or the systemic spread of the infection. This uncontrolled inflammatory response is characterized by elevated levels of cytokines such as IFNy, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-12 in the bloodstream, transitioning the initial inflammatory reaction into a phase known as the cytokine storm. The cytokine storm is marked by severe clinical and laboratory manifestations. Consequently, it is crucial to implement appropriate therapies that target the uncontrolled inflammation induced by the virus rather than viremia itself. Hence, the aim of our study was to investigate the impact of monoclonal antibodies, specifically the medication "Kazirivimab + Imdevimab," which is a combination of recombinant monoclonal antibodies targeting the S-protein, on the clinical progression and laboratory parameters in patients with COVID-19.