Monoclonal Antibody Treatment of Chikungunya Virus Infection in Mice

Each of two human monoclonal antibodies, used as prophylaxis or treatment, significantly delayed virus-related mortality in mice.

Chikungunya virus infection, common in tropical areas of Africa and Southeast Asia, can cause serious and debilitating morbidity, particularly in newborns and the elderly. Aedes albopictus, a vector that spreads this infection, has now broadened its range to temperate regions.

Polyclonal antibodies have proven useful in preventing and treating chikungunya virus infection in a mouse model (JW Infect Dis Jul 15 2009), and two human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 5F10 and 8B10, have been shown to neutralize the virus in vitro by binding to viral envelope proteins (e.g., J Immunol 2011; 186:3258). Now, researchers in Singapore have evaluated how well those two mAbs prevent and treat chikungunya virus infection in mice that are susceptible to the …

Reviewing Author

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)