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Austin, TX – Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the National Institutes of Health, have made a major breakthrough in the fight against norovirus, a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide.
Their latest study, published in Science Translational Medicine, identifies powerful antibodies capable of neutralizing a wide range of norovirus strains. This discovery paves the way for the development of a broadly effective norovirus vaccine and the creation of new therapeutic antibodies to treat norovirus-associated gastroenteritis.
Norovirus infects more than 700 million people annually, leading to severe diarrhea and vomiting. While many recover, the virus poses significant risks to young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Developing a vaccine has been particularly challenging due to the virus’s genetic diversity and frequent mutations that enable it to evade herd immunity.
Using advanced molecular analysis, the research team examined the immune responses of individuals who had received an experimental oral norovirus vaccine developed by Vaxart. Their findings revealed that some participants produced broadly neutralizing antibodies, which could effectively combat multiple norovirus strains, including both historical and emerging variants. These antibodies also cross-neutralized different norovirus genotypes responsible for approximately 75% of global norovirus outbreaks.
“These findings provide critical insights into how the immune system responds to norovirus and pave the way for designing a vaccine that offers broad, long-lasting protection,” said George Georgiou, co-corresponding author and professor at UT Austin. “We found antibodies that are very broad in terms of being able to neutralize many different variants that have circulated or are circulating now.”
Among the most promising antibodies identified was VX22, which targets a previously unknown weak spot in the virus’s structure. Unlike conventional antibodies that attack only one or two strains, VX22 neutralizes multiple genotypes by binding to a highly conserved region in the virus particles, making it an ideal candidate for vaccine development.
“Norovirus cases this winter have surged to twice the previous annual peaks, emphasizing the urgent need for a vaccine to curb its impact,” said Juyeon Park, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral researcher at UT Austin. “Our findings can better inform future vaccine development efforts against norovirus.”
Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, often triggering outbreaks in schools, cruise ships, and healthcare facilities. A vaccine offering protection against multiple strains could significantly reduce infections, hospitalizations, and the economic burden associated with the disease.
In addition to vaccine development, the recently identified antibodies could also serve as a basis for post-infection therapy, which may help immunocompromised individuals who struggle to clear the virus on their own, Georgiou noted.
“This discovery brings us closer to a vaccine that could provide lasting protection and prevent the devastating effects of norovirus outbreaks, as well as potential treatment for those already infected,” he said.
The research team is now working on refining the vaccine’s design and evaluating its effectiveness in broader populations, including elderly individuals and young children.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. The findings discussed are based on current research and are subject to further validation. The development and approval of vaccines and therapies require extensive testing and regulatory review. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals for medical advice and updates on norovirus prevention and treatment.
