Removal of clinically relevant SARS-CoV-2 variants by an affinity resin containing Galanthus nivalis agglutinin

Melanie Gooldy, Christelle M Roux, Steven P LaRosa, Nicole Spaulding, Charles J Fisher Jr, Melanie Gooldy, Christelle M Roux, Steven P LaRosa, Nicole Spaulding, Charles J Fisher Jr

Abstract

The Coronavirus -19 (COVID-19) pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus has now exceeded two years in duration. The pandemic has been characterized by the development of a succession of variants containing mutations in the spike protein affecting infectiousness, virulence and efficacy of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Resistance to vaccination and limitations in the current treatments available require the ongoing development of therapies especially for those with severe disease. The plant lectin Galanthus nivalis binds to mannose structures in the viral envelope. We hypothesized that viral binding should be unaffected by spike protein mutations. Known concentrations of seven clinically relevant SARS-CoV-2 variants were spiked in medium and passed three times over columns containing 1 gm of GNA affinity resin. Percent decrease in viral titer was compared with a control sample. Viral capture efficiency was found to range from 53 to 89% for all variants. Extrapolation indicated that an adult Aethlon Hemopurifier® would have more than sufficient binding capacity for viral loads observed in adult patients with severe COVID-19 infection.

Conflict of interest statement

SPL and CJF are employees and receive salaries from Aethlon Medical, Inc. which funded this study performed at CUBRC, Inc. The contributions of these authors are correct in the authors’ contributions section of the submission. Specifically, SPL adapted the clinical protocol from the medical literature. SPL also analyzed the data and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author CJF also analyzed the data and made comments on the manuscript draft. Aethlon Medical, Inc funded this study and is the manufacturer of the Hemopurifier, an experimental device in clinical development that contains the affinity resin tested in this study. This commercial affiliation does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Figures

Fig 1. Experimental set-up.
Fig 1. Experimental set-up.
a. Set-up of columns in clamp/ ring stand. b. Schematic diagram.

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