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High-dose mannose-binding lectin therapy for Ebola virus infection
Ian C Michelow1, Calli Lear, Corinne Scully
1Program of Developmental Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 4, 2011
Summary
Elevated levels of recombinant human mannose-binding lectin (rhMBL) protected mice from lethal Ebola virus infection, conferring immunity. This suggests rhMBL could be a broad-spectrum antiviral therapy against glycosylated viruses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is crucial for innate immunity, targeting microorganisms via glycan recognition.
- Recombinant human MBL (rhMBL) has been explored for reconstitution therapy.
- Ebola virus poses a significant biothreat with no existing treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of elevated rhMBL serum concentrations in protecting against Ebola virus infection.
- To assess the development of immunity following rhMBL-mediated protection.
Main Methods:
- Mice with significantly increased rhMBL serum concentrations (≥7-fold above average human levels) were infected with Ebola virus.
- Survival rates and subsequent immunity to virus rechallenge were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Mice treated with elevated rhMBL survived otherwise fatal Ebola virus infections.
- Survivors developed immunity, indicated by successful rechallenge.
Conclusions:
- Elevated rhMBL levels confer protection against lethal Ebola virus infection in a murine model.
- rhMBL shows promise as a broad-spectrum antiviral strategy, potentially targeting other glycosylated viruses.
