Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have successfully isolated human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B, a major public health concern that has a greater impact on children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The seasonal flu vaccines typically protect against both influenza A and influenza B, but they may not fully activate the widest range of immune responses.
Responses to both viruses may be insufficient in people with weakened immune systems due to age or illness.
Neuraminidase-blocking small-molecule drugs are effective in treating early influenza infections, but they have limited benefits for severe infections and are less effective for influenza B infections. Therefore, an alternative approach is necessary.
A study in the journal Immunity by VUMC researchers explains how they extracted cells from the bone marrow of a person previously vaccinated against influenza.The researchers identified two groups of monoclonal antibodies that attach to different parts of the neuraminidase glycoprotein on the surface of influenza B. One of these antibodies, called FluB-400, was found to effectively inhibit virus replication in human respiratory epithelial cells in the lab. It also provided protection against influenza B in animal studies when administered via injection or through the nostrils. Using antibodies through the nostrils may be more effective and have fewer side effects compared to traditional methods, as it may help contain the virus in the nasal mucus.The researchers recommended that the findings support the use of FluB-400 to prevent and treat influenza B, as well as guide the development of a universal influenza vaccine. According to the paper’s corresponding author, Dr. James Crowe Jr., antibodies are becoming a valuable tool for preventing or treating viral infections and the team was pleased to discover powerful molecules for the type B influenza virus.les in our quest.”
Crowe, who occupies the Ann Scott Carell Chair, is University Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and head of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, which has identified monoclonal antibodies against various viral infections, including COVID-19.
The primary author of the paper, Rachael Wolters, DVM, PhD, is a former student in the Crowe lab. Other VUMC co-authors include Elaine Chen, PhD, Ty Sornberger, Luke Myers, Laura Handal, Taylor Engdahl, Nurgen Kose, Lauren Williamson, PhD, Buddy Creech, MD, and Katherine Gibson-Corley, DVM, PhD.
This research received partial financial support from National Institutes of Health grants.T32AI112541, K01OD036063, and U01AI150739, NIH-HHS contracts 75N93019C00074 and 75N93019C00073, and the Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Centers program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases are acknowledged for their support.
