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A breakthrough in the fight against H5N1 avian flu has been reported by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the NIH Vaccine Research Center. In a study published in Science, the team revealed that a prophylactic antibody-based immune therapy successfully protected monkeys from severe disease caused by the H5N1 bird flu virus.
The treatment utilizes a broadly neutralizing antibody that targets a relatively stable region of the bird flu virus, making it less prone to losing efficacy compared to antibodies that target more mutation-prone structures. This stability is key, as it ensures the antibody’s effectiveness against potential viral variants—similar to how the SARS-CoV-2 virus evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This type of prevention can be very useful in controlling infection outbreaks and containing the bird flu pandemic,” said Dr. Douglas Reed, an associate professor of immunology at the University of Pittsburgh and co-corresponding author of the study. “In our testing, the antibody performed beautifully, showing its potential as a prophylactic against severe disease in vulnerable populations.”
While H5N1 has not yet caused widespread human fatalities, the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented over 950 global cases since 1997, with more than half resulting in death. The virus is not only circulating among wild birds but has also spread to mammals, raising concerns about its potential to adapt and spread to humans.
The researchers, who have long been studying the threat of avian flu in animals, have been working to develop vaccines and antibodies as preventive measures. The recent study builds on previous research, including a 2023 iScience publication that focused on improving aerosol models for simulating severe H5N1 infection in monkeys.
A significant challenge in developing influenza treatments lies in the virus’s rapid mutation. However, the researchers overcame this hurdle by targeting the hemagglutinin stalk region of the virus—a feature that remains conserved across various strains. This enables the antibody to provide broad protection against multiple influenza viruses, including seasonal flu and H5N1.
The study’s success also included determining the minimum antibody levels required to provide protection, a key step in advancing both therapeutic and preventive measures. The neutralizing MEDI8852 antibody was shown to protect monkeys from severe disease and death when administered as a pre-exposure treatment.
The potential for MEDI8852 to protect first responders and others exposed during an outbreak is promising, as serum levels remained effective for up to 12 weeks. This could allow for rapid deployment in the early stages of a pandemic.
The research sets the stage for the development of medical countermeasures against future influenza pandemics and brings us one step closer to an effective universal flu vaccine.
Disclaimer: This study was conducted on non-human primates, and further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this treatment in humans. The information presented here is based on preliminary findings and should not be considered conclusive or applicable to human use without further studies and regulatory approval.
