Researchers appear to be on the verge of making major progress toward developing a protective vaccine against the Epstein-Barr virus, a common virus linked to several diseases such as mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, certain types of cancer, and other serious diseases. This progress came after the success of testing antibodies developed on mice.
Approximately 95% of the world’s population is infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, with some population groups being more vulnerable to serious complications if the virus is active.
Using mice carrying human antibody genes, the researchers developed 10 antibodies that target two proteins on the surface of the virus. The first protein, called “GB350,” helps the virus bind to cell receptors, while the second protein, called “GB42,” helps it enter cells.
Researchers reported in the journal Cell Reports Medicine that an antibody targeting the Gp42 protein was effective in preventing infection when mice, which have a human immune system, were exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus.
They also added that another antibody targeting the GB350 protein contributed to achieving partial protection.
“After many years of searching for an effective way to protect against the Epstein-Barr virus, this represents an important step for the scientific community and for people who are most at risk for complications from this virus,” said study author Andrew McGuire from Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle.
The researchers noted that virus-associated lymphomas represent a common cause of potentially fatal complications in organ transplant recipients with weakened immune systems.
They also explained that antibody injections may be able in the future to prevent infection, in addition to preventing the reactivation of the virus in these patients and other groups at risk.
“Effective prevention of Epstein-Barr virus in the blood remains a major unmet need in transplant medicine,” said Dr. Rachel Binder Ignacio, a co-author of the study from Fred Hutch.
