Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/04/09/1404205111
Prevention of influenza by targeting host receptors using engineered proteins
Helen Connarisa,1,2,
Elena A. Govorkovab,1,
Yvonne Ligertwoodc,
Bernadette M. Dutiac,
Lei Yanga,
Sandra Taubera,
Margaret A. Taylora,
Nadiawati Aliasa,
Robert Hagana,
Anthony A. Nashc,
Robert G. Websterb,2, and
Garry L. Taylora,2
Author Affiliations
Contributed by Robert G. Webster, March 6, 2014 (sent for review November 21, 2013)
Significance
We have developed a new class of host-targeted biologics to prevent influenza by engineering multivalent carbohydrate-binding modules that bind with high affinity to sialic acid, the critical component of the influenza virus cell surface receptor. Mouse studies reveal a remarkable efficacy: a single 1-μg dose of the lead biologic given 7 d before a lethal challenge with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus provides complete protection. This new approach has the potential to be a front-line defense against any current and future influenza virus, overcoming viral escape to vaccines and antivirals. In addition, the biologics may have broader application against other respiratory pathogens...
Prevention of influenza by targeting host receptors using engineered proteins
Helen Connarisa,1,2,
Elena A. Govorkovab,1,
Yvonne Ligertwoodc,
Bernadette M. Dutiac,
Lei Yanga,
Sandra Taubera,
Margaret A. Taylora,
Nadiawati Aliasa,
Robert Hagana,
Anthony A. Nashc,
Robert G. Websterb,2, and
Garry L. Taylora,2
Author Affiliations
Contributed by Robert G. Webster, March 6, 2014 (sent for review November 21, 2013)
Significance
We have developed a new class of host-targeted biologics to prevent influenza by engineering multivalent carbohydrate-binding modules that bind with high affinity to sialic acid, the critical component of the influenza virus cell surface receptor. Mouse studies reveal a remarkable efficacy: a single 1-μg dose of the lead biologic given 7 d before a lethal challenge with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus provides complete protection. This new approach has the potential to be a front-line defense against any current and future influenza virus, overcoming viral escape to vaccines and antivirals. In addition, the biologics may have broader application against other respiratory pathogens...