Researchers may be closer to developing a vaccine that protects against Epstein-Barr, a common virus linked with infectious mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, cancers and other serious illnesses, after successfully testing antibodies they developed in mice.
Nearly 95% of the global population is infected with Epstein-Barr virus, with some populations at higher risk for serious complications if the virus becomes activated.
Using mice carrying human antibody genes, researchers developed 10 monoclonal antibodies that targeted either of two proteins on the surface of the virus - gp350, which helps EBV bind to cell receptors, and gp42, which helps it enter the cells.
One of the antibodies against gp42 successfully prevented infection when mice with human immune systems were exposed to EBV, the researchers reported in Cell Reports Medicine.
Another antibody against gp350 provided partial protection, they said.
"After many years of searching for a viable way to protect against Epstein-Barr virus, this is a significant stride for the scientific community and the people at the highest risk of complications from this virus," study coauthor Andrew McGuire of Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle said.
EBV-associated lymphomas are a frequent cause of potentially fatal complications in immunosuppressed transplant recipients, the researchers noted.
Infusions of monoclonal antibodies could one day block EBV infection and activation in these and other high-risk patients, they said.
"Effective prevention of EBV viremia remains a significant unmet need in transplant medicine," study coauthor Dr. Rachel Bender Ignacio, also of Fred Hutch, said in a statement.
A vaccine "would make a huge difference," McGuire added.
No comments:
Post a Comment