News / Science News

    Monoclonal antibodies against Zika show promise in monkey study

    Using blood samples from an individual previously infected with Zika virus, scientists have developed an antibody-based Zika virus therapeutic that protected monkeys from infection.



    Zika virus particles (red) shown in African green monkey kidney cells. Image credit: NIAID


    Because monoclonal antibodies are generally safe, they believe that this antibody cocktail might be appropriate for uninfected pregnant women; because the antibodies will likely cross the placenta, the researchers hope that administration during pregnancy may protect both the pregnant woman and the fetus from Zika virus.

    The investigators are hoping to test this concept by pursuing studies in people.

    The scientists isolated immune cells from the patient’s blood and used them to make 91 monoclonal antibodies—immune system fighters designed to bind to a specific part of an invading virus or bacterium to stop the infection.

    They identified three antibodies that bound to Zika virus surface proteins, and each neutralized the virus.

    The researchers then administered a combination of these antibodies to rhesus macaques and exposed the animals to Zika virus one day later. During the 21-day study, all four monkeys who received the antibody cocktail showed no virus replication. (National Institutes of Health)

    OCTOBER 9, 2017



    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    A study of rat and human brains revealed how seizure-like activity may disrupt memory consolidation.
    A new study analyzing samples from patients with and without acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) provides additional evidence for an association between the rare but often serious condition that causes muscle weakness and paralysis, and infection with non-polio enteroviruses.
    Astronomers have uncovered a near-record breaking supermassive black hole, weighing 17 billion suns, in an unlikely place: in the center of a galaxy in a sparsely populated area of the universe.
    Paleontologists working in Tanzania have identified a new species of hyaenodont, a type of extinct meat-eating mammal.
    Researchers used computer modeling to show how the spleen maintains the quality of red blood cells in the bloodstream.
    Graphene could provide alternative to chemicals in insect repellant and protective clothing.

    © 1991-2023 The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin | Titi Tudorancea® is a Registered Trademark | Terms of use and privacy policy
    Contact