Work

Therapeutic targeting of respiratory syncytial virus G-protein

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children and an important pathogen of the elderly and immune suppressed. The only intervention currently available is a monoclonal antibody against the RSV fusion protein, which has shown utility as a prophylactic for high-risk premature infants, but which has not shown postinfection therapeutic efficacy in the specific RSV-infected populations studied. Thus, for the major susceptible populations, there remains a great need for effective treatment. Recent results support monoclonal antibody targeting of the RSV G-protein for therapeutic use. This objective encompasses a dual mechanism: reduction in the ability of RSV G-protein to distort the host innate immune response, and direct complement-mediated antiviral activity.

Source: Immunotherapy

DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.53

Authors: Lawrence M Kauvar, Jennifer L Harcourt, Lia M Haynes, Ralph A Tripp

Institutions: Trellis Bioscience (United States), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, University of Georgia

Language: English

Topic: Respiratory viral infections research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases