Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have made a significant breakthrough by isolating human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B. This virus is a notable public health threat, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
While seasonal flu vaccines provide coverage against both influenza A and B, they do not always generate the most comprehensive immune response. Furthermore, those with compromised immune systems often exhibit a diminished response to the flu shot. Current treatments, such as small-molecule drugs targeting neuraminidase, are only somewhat effective, especially in severe cases and tend to be less effective against influenza B. This underscores the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies.
In a study published in the journal Immunity, the VUMC team detailed their success in isolating two distinct groups of monoclonal antibodies from the bone marrow of a person vaccinated against influenza. These antibodies target different regions of the neuraminidase glycoprotein on the surface of influenza B.
One antibody, named FluB-400, demonstrated broad inhibitory effects on virus replication in laboratory cultures of human respiratory epithelial cells. Remarkably, FluB-400 also provided protection against influenza B in animal models when administered either by injection or intranasally.
The intranasal administration of antibodies presents a promising method, potentially offering greater efficacy and fewer systemic side effects compared to traditional routes such as intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection. The intranasal route could trap the virus in the nasal mucus, preventing it from infecting the underlying epithelial surface.
These groundbreaking findings pave the way for the development of FluB-400 as a preventive and therapeutic measure against influenza B. Moreover, they contribute valuable insights towards the broader goal of creating a universal influenza vaccine.
“Antibodies increasingly have become an interesting medical tool to prevent or treat viral infections,” said Dr. James Crowe Jr., the corresponding author of the study. “We set out to find antibodies for the type B influenza virus, which continues to be a medical problem, and we were happy to find such especially powerful molecules in our search.”
Dr. Crowe, holding the Ann Scott Carell Chair, serves as a University Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and the director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center. The center has a notable history of isolating monoclonal antibodies against various viral infections, including COVID-19.
The study's first author, Rachael Wolters, DVM, Ph.D., is a former graduate student in Dr. Crowe's lab. Other contributors from VUMC include Elaine Chen, Ph.D., Ty Sornberger, Luke Myers, Laura Handal, Taylor Engdahl, Nurgen Kose, Lauren Williamson, Ph.D., Buddy Creech, MD, and Katherine Gibson-Corley, DVM, Ph.D.
This research represents a significant step forward in the fight against influenza B, offering hope for more effective prevention and treatment options for vulnerable populations.
Source: Vanderbilt University Medical Center