Cell Host & Microbe
Volume 29, Issue 5, 12 May 2021, Pages 819-833.e7
Journal home page for Cell Host & Microbe

Article
Potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies directed against spike N-terminal domain target a single supersite

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2021.03.005Get rights and content
Under an Elsevier user license
open archive

Highlights

  • Structures of seven NTD-directed neutralizing antibody complexes with spike or NTD

  • Structures define distinct recognition classes, one observed in multiple donors

  • Supersite is glycan free, electropositive, with mobile β-hairpin and flexible loops

  • Most potent NTD-directed neutralizing antibodies may target this supersite

Summary

Numerous antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 have been identified, and these generally target either the receptor-binding domain (RBD) or the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the viral spike. While RBD-directed antibodies have been extensively studied, far less is known about NTD-directed antibodies. Here, we report cryo-EM and crystal structures for seven potent NTD-directed neutralizing antibodies in complex with spike or isolated NTD. These structures defined several antibody classes, with at least one observed in multiple convalescent donors. The structures revealed that all seven antibodies target a common surface, bordered by glycans N17, N74, N122, and N149. This site—formed primarily by a mobile β-hairpin and several flexible loops—was highly electropositive, located at the periphery of the spike, and the largest glycan-free surface of NTD facing away from the viral membrane. Thus, in contrast to neutralizing RBD-directed antibodies that recognize multiple non-overlapping epitopes, potent NTD-directed neutralizing antibodies appear to target a single supersite.

Keywords

COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
neutralizing antibody
N-terminal domain
multi-donor antibody
antibody class
antigenic supersite

Cited by (0)

5

These authors contributed equally

6

Lead contact