Transgenic mouse-derived human monoclonal antibodies targeting EBV gp350 and gp42 provide basis for therapeutic development - PubMed
3 days ago
- #monoclonal antibodies
- #EBV
- #therapeutic development
- Transgenic mouse-derived human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting EBV glycoproteins gp350 and gp42 have been developed.
- EBV causes infectious mononucleosis and is linked to neurodegenerative disorders and malignancies, especially in immune-compromised individuals.
- No EBV-specific vaccines or treatments currently exist, but neutralizing antibodies against EBV glycoproteins show therapeutic potential.
- EBV enters B cells via gp350 (binding complement receptors) and gp42 (engaging HLA class II to trigger fusion).
- Existing mAbs against gp350 and gp42 are mostly non-human, limiting clinical use.
- Researchers generated two gp350 and eight gp42 human neutralizing mAbs using transgenic mice, blocking receptor binding.
- Structural analyses identified vulnerable sites relevant to vaccine development.
- A gp42 mAb protected humanized mice from EBV challenge, while a gp350 mAb offered partial protection.
- These findings demonstrate the utility of transgenic mice for producing therapeutic mAbs against EBV-driven diseases.