Anti-flames antibodies against seasonal flu – El Repúblico

Science magazine is publishing a new seasonal flu prevention strategy this week using a combination of antibodies from immune lamas. The expert team, led by Nick Laursen, of the Scripps Research Institute of La Jolla (California, USA), has generated a new neutralizing antibody called MD3606, capable of preventing the infection of several strains of influenza.

showed that by administering the antibody to laboratory mice, they showed an effective immune response against infections of types A and B. In particular, one of the most significant results surprising was the protection of older animals and immunodeficient. at lethal doses of strains such as the well-known influenza A (H1N1) virus.

The particularity of this vaccine lies in the multidomain character of the MD3606 antibody, ie its ability to simultaneously protect different types of influenza. Its action focuses on the inactivation of hemagglutinin, a protein in the outer layer of the virus, responsible for the adhesion of the pathogen to the cells of the respiratory system.

This antibody was produced from samples taken from immunized lamas with influenza vaccines. This camelid (scientific name Lama glama) is rarely used as a research animal, but it is sometimes a species usually used for its genetic singularity.

Its antibodies are smaller than those of rest of mammals and are further composed of a single gene, instead of two as in most animals. In this way, their antibodies are easier to handle and are attractive for immunology research.

"Inflamed single-domain antibodies were selected which were linked to subsets of the influenza virus.When these single-domain antibody specificities were combined into a single multidomain antibody, it was It has been possible to neutralize the different viruses, "says Ian Wilson, one of the authors.

Near Universal Protection

Prior to these episodes of seasonal influenza, vaccines are the main instrument of prevention. However, it has been shown over the years that conventional seasonal influenza vaccines are not always effective in the most vulnerable groups.

The results suggest that the MD3606 antibody could be used as an alternative preventive measure against greater variety. strains, also protecting these at risk groups such as those over 65 and immunodeficient persons.

Although the results were positive in mice, the antibody has not yet been tested in humans. For Wilson, "these antibodies are able to neutralize influenza viruses that affect us, but we still have no direct evidence of their compatibility with the technologies."

The solution proposed by researchers Is not a universal vaccine, but an alternative prevention strategy based on expression. transient of a multi-domain antibody almost universal. In addition, the rapid activation of the antibody observed in the results could allow its use both for the prevention and management of influenza pandemics.