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Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against influenza B, a virus that poses a particular threat to vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. In a study published in Immunity, the team describes how they isolated human monoclonal antibodies capable of effectively targeting and neutralizing influenza B virus.
Influenza B, often overshadowed by its more widely recognized counterpart, influenza A, continues to present challenges due to limited treatment options and the variability of seasonal vaccines. While current vaccines cover both influenza A and B strains, they do not always induce robust immune responses in all individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
The study, led by Dr. James Crowe Jr., MD, and his team at the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, focused on isolating antibodies from the bone marrow of an individual previously vaccinated against influenza. They identified two groups of monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to different regions of the neuraminidase glycoprotein on the surface of influenza B.
Among these antibodies, FluB-400 demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting virus replication in human respiratory cells in laboratory settings. Moreover, in animal models, FluB-400 provided protection against influenza B when administered either through injection or intranasally, suggesting potential advantages over traditional delivery methods.
“Intranasal administration of antibodies may offer a more effective and less invasive treatment option,” explained Dr. Crowe. “By trapping the virus in nasal mucus, these antibodies could prevent infection of deeper respiratory tissues.”
The findings not only highlight FluB-400’s potential for both prevention and treatment of influenza B but also contribute to the broader effort in developing a universal influenza vaccine. According to the researchers, understanding these antibodies’ mechanisms could pave the way for more effective strategies against seasonal and pandemic influenza threats.
Dr. Rachael Wolters, the study’s first author and a former graduate student at VUMC, emphasized the significance of their findings. “These antibodies represent a promising tool in our arsenal against influenza B, addressing a critical gap in current treatment options,” she noted.
The research was supported by several grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), underscoring the collaborative effort to advance influenza research and vaccine development. Dr. Crowe’s team continues to explore the potential applications of FluB-400 in clinical settings, aiming to translate their findings into practical solutions for influenza management.
As efforts intensify to combat influenza and prepare for future outbreaks, Vanderbilt’s pioneering research offers renewed hope in the ongoing battle against respiratory viruses.
About Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a renowned academic medical center known for its innovative research and compassionate patient care. The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, under the leadership of Dr. James Crowe Jr., is dedicated to advancing vaccine development and immunology research to address global health challenges.
