Antibodies and compositions of matter useful for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of Epstein Barr Virus infection in mammals, and methods of using those compositions of matter for the same are disclosed. Also disclosed are proteins, referred to as anti-gp350 antibody probes, and anti-gp350 B-cell probes, that maintain the epitope structure of the CR2-binding region of gp350, but do not bind CR2.

A specific conformational epitope of a hepatitis B surface antigen and a hepatitis B neutralizing antibody binding thereto are disclosed. The epitope has a specific conformational structure. In addition, the conformational epitope does not contain the ‘a’ determinant that may generate an escape mutation upon administration of conventional vaccines or HBIg. Thus, an antibody capable of binding to the epitope is highly unlikely to allow the emergence of a vaccine escape mutation, which is caused by conventional vaccines, and as such, can retain a sustained effect. Therefore, such an antibody or a vaccine composition can find effective applications in the prevention and treatment of HBV, having great economic value.

This invention provides a composition comprising (a) a first monoclonal antibody that (i) specifically binds to the extracellular portion of human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), (ii) specifically inhibits binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the extracellular portion of hACE2, and (iii) does not significantly inhibit the ability of hACE2 to cleave angiotensin II and/or a synthetic MCA-based peptide; and (b) a second monoclonal antibody that (i) specifically binds to the extracellular portion of human TMPRSS2 (hTMPRSS2), and (ii) specifically inhibits the entry into hACE2.sup.+/hTMPRSS2.sup.+ human cells of a pseudovirus bearing SARS-CoV-2 S protein. This invention also provides related recombinant AAV vectors, recombinant AAV particles, compositions, prophylactic and therapeutic methods, and kits.

This invention provides a composition comprising (a) a first monoclonal antibody that (i) specifically binds to the extracellular portion of human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2), (ii) specifically inhibits binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the extracellular portion of hACE2, and (iii) does not significantly inhibit the ability of hACE2 to cleave angiotensin II and/or a synthetic MCA-based peptide; and (b) a second monoclonal antibody that (i) specifically binds to the extracellular portion of human TMPRSS2 (hTMPRSS2), and (ii) specifically inhibits the entry into hACE2.sup.+/hTMPRSS2.sup.+ human cells of a pseudovirus bearing SARS-CoV-2 S protein. This invention also provides related recombinant AAV vectors, recombinant AAV particles, compositions, prophylactic and therapeutic methods, and kits.

Provided herein are, inter alia, peptides capable of binding viral proteins and thereby preventing viral infection, replication and spread (e.g., SARS CoV-2). The conjugates provided herein include an dimerizing domain (e.g., Fc domain) attached through a peptide linker to a protein domain (viral protein binding domain). The viral protein binding domain is capable of binding a viral protein, for example, a viral envelope protein or a portion thereof.

Provided herein are, inter alia, peptides capable of binding viral proteins and thereby preventing viral infection, replication and spread (e.g., SARS CoV-2). The conjugates provided herein include an dimerizing domain (e.g., Fc domain) attached through a peptide linker to a protein domain (viral protein binding domain). The viral protein binding domain is capable of binding a viral protein, for example, a viral envelope protein or a portion thereof.

Described is an anti-HSV antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof for use in treating an acute infection of mucosal or epidermal tissue in a subject caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2 selected from the group consisting of Herpes simplex labialis, Herpes simplex genitalis, chronic or disseminated cutaneous herpes simplex infection, Herpes gladiatorum and Eczema herpeticum, wherein said antibody is to be topically administered as well as to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of said antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

Disclosed is a method for producing an antibody reagent for detecting a test substance in a sample by an immune complex transfer method. The method comprises the steps of: bringing an antibody solution comprising a labeled antibody capable of binding to the test substance into contact with a solid phase used in the immune complex transfer method; and separating the solid phase and the antibody solution to prepare the antibody reagent from the antibody solution.

Disclosed is a method for controlling affinity of an antibody for an antigen, comprising substituting at least 3 amino acid residues of framework region 3 (FR3) defined by the Chothia method with charged amino acid residues, in an antibody whose electrical characteristic of complementarity determining region (CDR) based on the amino acid sequence of the CDR is neutral or negatively charged.

Provided herein are cell penetrating conjugates. The conjugates include a non-cell penetrating protein attached to a phosphorothioate nucleic acid or phosphorothioate polymer backbone, wherein the phosphorothioate nucleic acid or phosphorothioate polymer backbone enhances intracellular delivery of the non-cell penetrating protein. Also provided are compositions and kits comprising the cojugates.