Nebulized mRNA-encoded antibodies found to protect hamsters against COVID-19 CoulterBME SARSCoV2 COVID19 mRNA Antibodies HamsterModel
By Dr. Liji Thomas, MDNov 2 2022Reviewed by Aimee Molineux The world has recently seen immense activity in the field of vaccine development due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, as the causative virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 , continues to emerge in new variants with increased transmissibility, immune escape capability and virulence attributes.
These antibodies need to be given intravenously, necessitating a medical setting. They must be delivered in relatively large doses of 10–100 mg kg−1 to compensate for the fact that only a small fraction reaches the site of interest. This drives up the cost of treatment, limiting their availability, especially in low- and middle-income countries .
Earlier research by the same authors showed the capability to direct mRNA to the lungs to produce mAbs there. By avoiding the need to introduce the recombinant spike protein, the researchers encoded a membrane anchor in the heavy chain of the immunoglobulin G antibody molecule. This allowed the tissue to retain the antibody for several weeks.
Related StoriesDirect stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy enhanced the ability to view the antibodies once expressed within the cell culture. One formed long strings on the cell surface and was thus disqualified from further testing in vivo. Longer retention in lungs This demonstrated that the antibodies were, as expected, anchored to the cell membrane in the lung by the GPI molecule. Compared with the secreted or non-anchored form, it was found to remain in the lung tissue. At the same time, the latter led to increased serum concentrations, the difference in post-transfection serum levels being 27-fold in favor of the secreted form.
Since the virus is mostly found within the alveolar space, this finding indicates the potential for transfected antibodies to prevent COVID-19 and severe disease. The effective dose delivered to the lungs can be enhanced by increasing the concentration of the formulation.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Warning drivers as four new driving laws come into force in the UKFrom new car features to new cities implementing low emission zones, here are the four new driving rules which have gone live in the UK.
Read more »
2022's best co-op survival game is getting its biggest update yetCo-op survival crafting sandbox Core Keeper gets a new biome and big bosses next week. Also: Go-carts!
Read more »
Bridgerton and Sex Education stars have future of new show revealed beyond season 1Comedy-horror Wreck, which stars Bridgerton's James Phoon and Sex Education's Thaddea Graham, has been renewed for a second series.
Read more »
Logano calls for new rule against 'awesome' Chastain moveJoey Logano was extremely impressed with Ross Chastain's daring last-lap move against the outside wall at Martinsville (V.A.) Speedway, but warned of potential consequences if left unchecked.
Read more »
Supercars squad builds Ford's new Baja 1000 contenderFord has enlisted former factory Nissan Supercars team Kelly Racing to build its latest Baja 1000 contender.
Read more »
Downing Street's new dog settles in with a poignant collar - but where's Larry?Nova was given a new collar to mark the poppy appeal but the Chief Mouser was conspicuous by his absence.
Read more »