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

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.

Epidemiological and 66 literature data, of which 35 have been published during 2015-2021, and findings were analysed.

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.

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.