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May 31, 2025 — In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the Ragon Institute have uncovered a powerful new mechanism by which antibodies can help the body fight tuberculosis (TB), potentially paving the way for innovative therapies and vaccines against one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
Despite decades of research, TB continues to claim about 1.6 million lives each year and infects 10 million people globally. The lack of a highly effective vaccine and the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains have made the search for new treatment strategies more urgent than ever.
Rewriting the Rules on Antibody Action
The research team, led by Dr. Galit Alter and Dr. Patricia Grace, assembled the largest known library of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium responsible for TB. By screening these highly specialized antibodies, the scientists identified specific features that significantly limit bacterial growth in infected mice.
Contrary to previous assumptions, the study found that antibodies targeting not only surface proteins but also internal antigens of Mtb could effectively restrict bacterial growth. This challenges the long-held belief that only antibodies recognizing surface structures are useful in fighting TB.
A New Mechanism of Protection
Digging deeper, the researchers focused on a particularly potent antibody that targets lipoarabinomannan (LAM), a molecule on the Mtb cell surface. By engineering the antibody’s Fc region—the part responsible for recruiting immune cells—they discovered that the most effective bacterial control occurred when the antibody redirected immune cell activity, especially by recruiting neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
“This reveals a previously unrecognized way that antibodies can fight TB—not just by neutralizing the bacteria, but by reshaping the immune response in the lungs,” said Dr. Alter.
Implications for Future Treatments
The findings, published in the journal Immunity, open the door to developing antibody-based therapies and vaccines that could bolster the immune system’s ability to combat TB, including drug-resistant strains. The approach may also accelerate the discovery of monoclonal therapeutics for other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
As the world grapples with rising antibiotic resistance, these insights could not be more timely. “Understanding these immune mechanisms gives us new tools to design treatments that work in tandem with, or even independently of, antibiotics,” said Dr. Grace.
More Information
The full study, “Antibody-Fab and -Fc features promote Mycobacterium tuberculosis restriction,” by Patricia S. Grace et al., is available in Immunity (2025). Read more on MedicalXpress.
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes findings from preclinical research. The antibody mechanisms and potential therapies discussed are not yet approved for clinical use in humans. Further studies and clinical trials are necessary to determine their safety and effectiveness. For medical advice or treatment, please consult a healthcare professional.
