Flame antibodies against seasonal influenza

Flame antibodies against seasonal influenza https://i2.wp.com/www.eresviral.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Anticuerpos-de-llama-contra-la-gripe-estacional.jpg?fit=209%2C146&ssl=1

Flame antibodies against seasonal influenza







This week, Science magazine publishes a new prevention strategy against seasonal influenza thanks to the combination of antibodies from immunized llamas. The team of experts, led by Nick Laursen, of the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla (California, USA), has generated a new neutralizing antibody called MD3606, capable of preventing the infection of several strains of influenza.



Tests have shown that by administering the antibody in laboratory mice, they have shown an effective immune response against type A and B infections. In particular, one of the most striking results has been the protection in elderly animals. immunodeficient against lethal doses of strains such as the known influenza A (H1N1).



The particularity of this vaccine lies in the multidomain characteristic of the MD3606 antibody, that is, its ability to protect against different types of influenza at the same time. Its action focuses on the inactivation of hemagglutinin, a protein from the outer layer of the virus, responsible for the adhesion of the pathogen to the cells of the respiratory system.



This antibody has been produced from samples collected from llamas immunized with influenza vaccines. This camelid (scientific name Lama glama) is rarely used as a research animal, however, in some cases it is a species that is often used for its genetic uniqueness.







The flame antibodies are smaller than those of the rest of mammals. (Photo: Pixabay)



Its antibodies are smaller than those of the rest of mammals and also, they are composed of a single gene, instead of two as in most animals. In this way, their antibodies are easier to handle and constitute an attraction when conducting research in immunology.



"Flame single domain antibodies that bind to subsets of the influenza virus were selected. When these single-domain antibody specificities were combined into a single multidomain antibody, it was possible to neutralize the different viruses, "Ian Wilson, another of the authors, explains to SINC.



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



The results suggest that the MD3606 antibody could be used as an alternative prevention measure against a wider variety of strains, also protecting these risk groups such as those over 65 years old and immunodeficient people.



Although the results have been 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. However, we still do not have direct evidence that they also allow protection against influenza infection in humans. "



The solution proposed by the researchers is not a universal vaccine, but an alternative prevention strategy based on the transient expression of a nearly universal multiple domain antibody. In addition, the rapid activation of the antibody that has been observed in the results could allow its use in both prevention and management of influenza pandemics. (Source: SINC)

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