Scientists have developed new antibodies that could block Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the world’s most common viruses, according to Yahoo Finance.
EBV is estimated to infect about 95 percent of adults. It usually causes few or no symptoms, but the virus remains in the body for life and has been linked to several cancers, multiple sclerosis and other health problems.
Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington developed 10 new antibodies that target two proteins on the surface of EBV, known as gp350 and gp42. These proteins help the virus enter B cells, which are part of the immune system.
In experiments using mice with human-like immune systems, one of the antibodies provided strong protection against EBV infection.
The researchers used specially bred mice capable of producing genetically human antibodies, potentially improving the chances that such antibodies could eventually be tested in people.
The findings could be particularly important for organ and bone marrow transplant patients, who receive immune-suppressing medicines and face a higher risk of serious EBV-related complications.
The research was published in Cell Reports Medicine. More testing is needed before the antibodies can be evaluated as a treatment in humans.
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