Scientists Develop Antibody for Virus That Infects 95% People
Scientists have developed new antibodies that could block Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the world’s most common viruses, according to … Read More The post Scientists Develop Antibody for Virus That Infects 95% People appeared first on ProPakistani .
Researchers have developed a new class of antibodies capable of blocking Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a virus that infects roughly 95 percent of adults worldwide, according to Yahoo Finance. EBV typically causes no symptoms, but it can persist in the body for life and has been connected to certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, and other health issues.
Scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington have created ten novel antibodies that specifically target two surface proteins of EBV, gp350 and gp42. These proteins assist the virus in infiltrating B cells, a crucial component of the immune system. In tests involving mice with human-like immune systems, one of the antibodies demonstrated robust protection against EBV infection.
The researchers employed specially bred mice that produce genetically human antibodies, potentially enhancing the prospects of these antibodies being tested in humans in the future. The findings are particularly significant for organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, who often take immune-suppressing medications and are at a higher risk of serious EBV-related complications.
The research was published in Cell Reports Medicine, and more trials are necessary before the antibodies can be assessed as a human treatment.
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