A Cross-Immunity between SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV: Interest in Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Serotherapy Development Using Dromedary Serum

Abstract

Backgrounds: A potential cross-immunity between SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV could lead to the development of a serodiagnostic test and/or serotherapy against SARS-CoV-2 using dromedary camel anti MERS-CoV serum. Materials & Methods: Epidemiological and 66 literature data, of which 35 have been published during 2015-2021, and findings were analysed. Findings: According to the statistical data reported during COVID-19 pandemic, there are less cases and deaths associated with COVID-19 in countries known for dromedary breeding and the circulation of MERS-CoV (another betacoronavirus disease transmitted by dromedary camels) among humans and dromedaries. This observation and the similarity in genome and immunopathogenicity between SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, suggest that individuals who have been in contact with MERS-CoV infected dromedaries and/or consumed their products (milk, meat, urine) might have acquired an immunity protecting them against SARS-CoV-2. In addition to neutralizing antibodies, this immunity could also be due to complement proteins, chemokines, and especially antimicrobial peptides (AMP), known for their effect on enveloped viruses. Conclusion: Most research has focused on vaccines as a solution to stop the pandemic, while serotherapy hasn’t significantly aroused the interest of researchers. This potential cross-immunity between SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV could lead to the development of a serodiagnostic test and/or serotherapy against SARS-CoV-2 using dromedary camel anti MERS-CoV serum. © 2021, TMU Press.