Topic: Biology

Researchers at Fred Hutch Cancer Center have discovered a way to stop Epstein Barr virus (EBV), which affects almost everyone worldwide. They found human antibodies that can prevent the virus from entering immune cells.

Epstein Barr virus, or EBV, is a very common infection that affects nearly every person on Earth. It's linked to several cancers and long-term illnesses. Scientists at Fred Hutch Cancer Center have made a breakthrough in finding ways to stop this virus. They worked with special mice that produce human antibodies to create new monoclonal antibodies that can block the virus from entering immune cells.

The researchers found one antibody that completely prevented infection in mice with human-like immune systems when exposed to EBV. This is important because EBV finds a way to bind to nearly every one of our B cells, making it hard to find antibodies that can stop it.

In the past, developing treatments for EBV has been challenging because it's difficult to find antibodies that can stop the virus without triggering an immune reaction against the therapy itself. To address this, the researchers focused on two viral proteins called gp350 and gp42. They identified two monoclonal antibodies that target gp350 and eight that target gp42.

The team also found specific weak points on the virus that could guide future vaccine design. In final testing, one antibody fully blocked EBV infection, while another offered partial protection.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important for people who receive organ transplants, as it could help prevent a serious and sometimes life-threatening form of lymphoma called post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD).

Key Facts

• 95% of people worldwide are affected by Epstein Barr virus.
• Researchers at Fred Hutch Cancer Center have found human antibodies that can stop EBV from entering immune cells.
• The team identified two monoclonal antibodies that target gp350 and eight that target gp42.
• One antibody fully blocked EBV infection, while another offered partial protection.

Key Terms

Monoclonal Antibodies

Specialized proteins that can recognize and bind to specific parts of viruses or bacteria

Implications

This discovery is important for people who receive organ transplants, as it could help prevent a serious and sometimes life-threatening form of lymphoma called post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD).