Scientists develop first-of-its-kind antibody to block Epstein-Barr virus
Fred Hutch Cancer Center scientists have developed genetically human monoclonal antibodies that block Epstein-Barr virus from infecting human immune cells, marking a key milestone in efforts to prevent EBV-related disease.
Using mice engineered to produce human antibodies, the researchers identified antibodies that target two key proteins on the virus, gp350 and gp42, which EBV uses to attach to and enter immune cells. The study showed that one antibody completely prevented infection in mice with human immune systems, while another provided partial protection. “Finding human antibodies that block Epstein-Barr virus from infecting our immune cells has been particularly challenging because, unlike other viruses, EBV finds a way to bind to nearly every one of our B cells,” said Andrew McGuire, PhD, a biochemist and cellular biologist at Fred Hutch. “We decided to use new technologies to try to fill this knowledge gap and we ended up taking a critical step toward blocking one of the world’s most common viruses.”
The discovery advances potential therapies to prevent EBV-related complications such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and reinforces the region’s leadership in translating immunology research into clinical solutions for high-risk patients.