Molecular mechanism of potently neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies against severe fever with thrombocytopenia virus infection

The incidence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) has been increasing in Asia in recent years; however, no specific antiviral agents have been approved to date. Herein, we report a panel of anti-SFTSV Gn monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with excellent neutralizing capacities and remarkable therapeutic potential <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> in a mouse model. In addition, crystallographic structures of mAbs complexed with Gn were resolved with atomic resolution (2.4 Å-3.3 Å), revealing a conserved antigenic epitope near the hexon wellhead edge. In sum, the neutralizing antibodies reported in the present study have significant therapeutic potential, paving the way for effective treatment of severe SFTS patients.