Garrido et al.
Nov 21, 2018
This study identifies two recombinant human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), JL16 and MIB22, that protect against lethal Andes hantavirus (ANDV) infection in a Syrian hamster model of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS).
This study identifies two recombinant human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), JL16 and MIB22, that protect against lethal Andes hantavirus (ANDV) infection in a Syrian hamster model of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). The researchers isolated these mAbs from convalescent HCPS patient sera showing potent neutralizing activity against ANDV.
Key findings:
Antibody Isolation and Characterization: JL16 and MIB22 were selected from memory B cells of a patient who had high neutralizing antibody activity. Both mAbs showed strong binding and neutralizing capacity against ANDV in vitro.
In Vivo Protection: When tested in Syrian hamsters, both mAbs protected 100% of animals from a lethal ANDV challenge, even when administered post-exposure. JL16 showed superior protection compared to MIB22, with no detectable viral RNA in the lungs of treated hamsters.
Potential for Therapy: These mAbs represent a promising post-exposure therapeutic strategy for ANDV infection, with both monotherapy and combination therapy (using both mAbs) offering effective protection.
The results suggest that JL16 and MIB22 could be developed into therapeutic options for treating HCPS, particularly given their ability to neutralize the virus and protect against fatal outcomes in animal models.