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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
[Respiratory syncytial virus]
1Department of Pediatrics, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan. tsutsumi@sapmed.ac.jp
Insights
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes common infant infections. While vaccines failed, a new antibody significantly reduces hospitalizations in high-risk infants, offering improved prevention.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRI) in infants.
- Previous vaccination attempts for RSV prophylaxis were unsuccessful due to adverse effects.
- Current RSV LRI management primarily relies on symptomatic treatment.
Purpose:
- To review the current landscape of RSV prevention and treatment strategies.
- To highlight the development and clinical introduction of a humanized anti-RSV F protein monoclonal antibody.
- To discuss the ongoing investigation of novel anti-RSV drugs.
Summary:
- RSV is a major global health concern for young infants.
- An aerosolized antiviral, ribavirin, reduces viral load but not hospitalization duration or symptomatic needs.
- A humanized anti-RSV F protein monoclonal antibody has shown significant success in reducing hospitalization rates in high-risk infants.
Impact:
- The new monoclonal antibody offers a promising preventive measure for vulnerable infant populations.
- This development marks a significant advancement in combating severe RSV infections.
- Further research into novel anti-RSV drugs is crucial for future therapeutic options.
Abstract:
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common worldwide cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRI) in infants less than 6 months of age. The prophylaxis against RSV infection by vaccination has been unsuccessful because of its adverse effects. As antiviral drug, ribavirin spray (aerosol) had been used clinically and reduces the amount of virus load, without reducing the necessity of symptomatic therapy and the duration of hospitalization. Therefore RSV LRI has been treated mainly symptomatically. Recently humanized anti-RSV F protein monoclonal antibody was developed and prescribed for prevention in high-risk infants such as premature ones and those with chronic lung and congenital heart diseases. It reduced the incidence of hospitalization significantly. It has been introduced in clinical use in Japan following to Western countries. On the other hand, a number of anti-RSV drugs have now been investigation; however, no valuable drugs for clinical use have been yet developed.
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