Cell Reports Medicine: New Antibodies Block Epstein–Barr Virus from Entering Cells

Scientists have developed antibodies capable of blocking Epstein–Barr virus, one of the most widespread viruses in the world, which infects about 95% of adults. In experiments in mice, one of the antibodies demonstrated a protective effect. The study was published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

The research was conducted by specialists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington. The team identified 10 new antibodies targeting two viral surface proteins, gp350 and gp42. The virus uses these proteins to enter B lymphocytes, cells of the immune system. By blocking this interaction, the antibodies prevent the virus from infecting cells and reactivating.

The Epstein–Barr virus usually remains dormant in the body without causing noticeable problems, but it can be dangerous in people with weakened immune systems. Organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs are particularly vulnerable: viral reactivation can lead to post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, a serious complication associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation.

To develop the antibodies, the scientists used specially bred mice capable of producing human antibodies. The research is still at the preclinical stage, with safety assessments and clinical trials in humans still ahead. Nevertheless, the study is considered an important step toward protecting the most vulnerable patients and, potentially, developing a vaccine against the virus, which has also been linked to multiple sclerosis and several types of cancer.

The virus also causes infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as the “kissing disease,” which most people contract during childhood or adolescence. Despite its widespread prevalence, there is still no approved vaccine against Epstein–Barr virus, which is why approaches aimed at blocking the virus as it enters cells are attracting increasing attention from researchers worldwide.