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Antibodies protect mice against challenge with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)-infected macrophages
T R Kreil1, I Burger, M Bachmann
1IMMUNO AG, Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
TBEV is a flavivirus highly pathogenic for humans. By transfer of antibodies directed to the TBEV surface glycoprotein E into mice, immune protection against subsequent inoculation with free TBEV particles could be achieved. After natural TBEV infection via the skin, however, cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage were recently demonstrated to represent an important source of local virus replication before viraemia occurs. Whether antibodies can protect against virus challenge when contracted in the form of infected cells, however, is still unclear. In the current study, TBEV antibodies protected mice against challenge with either free virus or TBEV-infected macrophages equally well. This observation may be of more general significance.
Insights
Antibodies targeting tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) protect mice from infection. This protection extends to challenges involving TBEV-infected macrophages, suggesting broad immune defense capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a highly pathogenic flavivirus in humans.
- Antibodies against TBEV's surface glycoprotein E can confer protection against free virus particles.
- Monocyte/macrophage lineage cells are identified as a significant source of early TBEV replication after natural skin infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether antibodies can protect against TBEV challenge when the virus is presented within infected cells.
- To determine if TBEV antibodies offer protection against TBEV-infected macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Mice were immunized with antibodies targeting the TBEV surface glycoprotein E.
- Mice were subsequently challenged with either free TBEV particles or TBEV-infected macrophages.
- Immune protection was assessed based on survival and/or viral load after challenge.
Main Results:
- TBEV antibodies provided equal protection against challenge with free TBEV particles and TBEV-infected macrophages.
- The findings indicate that antibodies are effective regardless of whether the challenge is via free virus or infected host cells.
Conclusions:
- Antibodies against TBEV are effective in protecting against infection, even when the virus is cell-associated.
- This suggests a potentially broader role for antibody-mediated immunity in TBEV infection than previously assumed.
- The findings may have implications for vaccine development and therapeutic strategies against TBEV.