Scientists have, for the first time, characterized human antibodies capable of neutralizing the measles virus.
A new study from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) has identified antibodies that bind to the measles fusion protein (F) and attachment protein (H), effectively preventing the virus from entering host cells. In a cotton rat model, infusion of these antibodies resulted in up to a 500-fold reduction in viral load, with one antibody, 3A12, making the virus undetectable.
How It Works
Published in Cell Host & Microbe, the study used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize exactly how the antibodies bind to the virus. The antibodies work by locking the fusion protein in place, preventing the virus from shape-shifting to infect cells. This mechanism proved effective both as a prophylactic (before exposure) and as a treatment within 24-48 hours after infection.
A Critical Gap
The researchers highlight that there are currently no measles-specific therapies available. This discovery may form the basis for monoclonal antibody treatments targeting vulnerable populations who cannot receive the measles vaccine, such as:
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Infants under 12 months old