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Published on: February 14, 2011
Human monoclonal antibodies protect against viral-mediated pneumococcal superinfection
Aaron Gingerich1, Lauren Mahoney1, Anna L McCormick1,2
1Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.
Introduction:
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a global health concern, with 25% of cases attributed to Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn). Viral infections like influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) increase the risk of Spn, leading to severe complications due to compromised host immunity.
Methods:
We evaluated the efficacy of an anti-PhtD monoclonal antibody (mAb) cocktail therapy (PhtD3 + 7) in improving survival rates in three viral/bacterial coinfection models: IAV/Spn, hMPV/Spn, and RSV/Spn.
Results:
The PhtD3 + 7 mAb cocktail outperformed antiviral mAbs, resulting in prolonged survival. In the IAV/Spn model, it reduced bacterial titers in blood and lungs by 2-4 logs. In the hMPV/Spn model, PhtD3 + 7 provided greater protection than the hMPV-neutralizing mAb MPV467, significantly reducing bacterial titers. In the RSV/Spn model, PhtD3 + 7 offered slightly better protection than the antiviral mAb D25, uniquely decreasing bacterial titers in blood and lungs.
Discussion:
Given the threat of antibiotic resistance, our findings highlight the potential of anti-PhtD mAb therapy as an effective option for treating viral and secondary pneumococcal coinfections.
Insights
An anti-PhtD monoclonal antibody (mAb) cocktail effectively treats coinfections of viruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn). This therapy improved survival and reduced bacterial load in preclinical models, offering a new strategy against antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a significant global health issue.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) causes 25% of CAP cases.
- Viral infections (IAV, RSV, hMPV) increase the risk of secondary Spn infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an anti-PhtD monoclonal antibody (mAb) cocktail (PhtD3 + 7) in treating viral/bacterial coinfections.
- To assess survival rates and bacterial load reduction in preclinical models.
Main Methods:
- Tested an anti-PhtD mAb cocktail (PhtD3 + 7) in three coinfection models: IAV/Spn, hMPV/Spn, and RSV/Spn.
- Compared efficacy against relevant antiviral mAbs.
Main Results:
- The PhtD3 + 7 mAb cocktail improved survival and reduced bacterial titers (2-4 logs) in blood and lungs across all models.
- It demonstrated superior or comparable efficacy to antiviral mAbs in hMPV/Spn and RSV/Spn models.
Conclusions:
- Anti-PhtD mAb therapy is a promising strategy for treating viral and secondary pneumococcal coinfections.
- This approach offers a potential alternative to antibiotics, addressing concerns of antibiotic resistance.
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