Introduction
The Nipah virus, a deadly pathogen with no approved vaccines or treatments, has been a significant concern in regions like Bangladesh, India, and Malaysia. Recent developments in vaccine research offer hope, as a new drug shows promise in both preventing and treating Nipah virus infections. This breakthrough, published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, could mark a turning point in combating this lethal virus.
The Nipah Virus Challenge
Nipah virus is a rare RNA virus transmitted from bats and pigs to humans, often through close contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. It can also spread from person to person. The virus causes severe respiratory distress, fever, and potentially fatal brain inflammation, with mortality rates reaching up to 75%. Despite its severity, no vaccines or treatments have been approved, making the recent research findings particularly significant.
Breakthrough in Vaccine Development
A team of researchers, including Daniel Watterson from the University of Queensland, has identified a promising treatment approach using a nanobody called DS90. This nanobody targets the HNV fusion protein, which the Nipah virus uses to infect cells. Isolated from an alpaca named Pedro, DS90 has demonstrated the ability to neutralize several strains of the Nipah virus in cell-based experiments. Remarkably, it also neutralizes the Hendra virus, a related virus that similarly lacks treatments.
Combining Forces for Enhanced Protection
The research team took their findings a step further by combining DS90 with a monoclonal antibody, m102.4, which is currently in phase I trials as an immunotherapy for Nipah virus. This combined antibody targets a receptor-binding protein that facilitates the virus’s entry into cells. The DS90–m102.4 combination proved more effective in defending cells against both Hendra and Nipah virus strains than either component alone. It also protected cells from mutated viruses that could evade treatment with just DS90 or m102.4.
Animal Testing and Results
In tests conducted on hamsters exposed to the Nipah virus, the combined antibody provided 100% protection over 28 days, while a control antibody offered no protection. When administered one day after infection, the antibody was 50% effective in preventing disease and delayed death by four days. In contrast, all animals in the control group succumbed to the virus by day six.
Implications for Human Treatment
The promising results in animal models suggest potential applications for preventing and treating Nipah virus infections in humans. While further research and clinical trials are necessary, the findings offer hope for a future where effective treatments for Nipah virus are available.
Conclusion
The development of a vaccine that not only prevents but also treats Nipah virus infections represents a significant advancement in virology and infectious disease management. As researchers continue to explore the potential of the DS90–m102.4 antibody combination, there is optimism that this approach could lead to effective solutions for combating the Nipah virus and related pathogens.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02173-x