Neutralizing Antibodies that Bind the SARS-COV-2 S Protein

The present disclosure provides antigen-binding proteins, such as fully human antibodies, that specifically bind the spike (S) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and uses thereof. In various embodiments, the anti-spike protein antibodies are neutralizing antibodies that prevent binding of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to a target cell expressing the ACE2 protein. Included are anti-spike protein antibodies, antibody fragments, and single-chain antibodies, as well as pharmaceutical compositions that include such antibodies and antibody fragments. Also provided herein are nucleic acids and recombinant expression vectors that encode the anti-spike protein antibodies and antibody fragments disclosed herein and transgenic cells transected with such nucleic acids and expression vectors. Further provided are methods for preparing and using such anti-spike protein antibodies. Methods for using the anti-spike protein antibodies include methods of treating or preventing infection with a coronavirus, such as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, by administering an antibody or antibody fragment as disclosed herein.