Research

Passive immunoprophylaxis and therapy with humanized monoclonal antibody specific for influenza A H5 hemagglutinin in mice

Brendon J Hanson¹ , Adrianus CM Boon² , Angeline PC Lim¹ , Ashley Webb² , Eng Eong Ooi¹ and Richard J Webby²

¹  Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, 27 Medical Dr., Singapore 117510

²  Department of Infectious Diseases, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N Lauderdale, Memphis, TN38103, USA

author email corresponding author email

Respiratory Research 2006, 7:126doi:10.1186/1465-9921-7-126

Published:	14 October 2006

Abstract

Background

Highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus is a major public health concern. Given the lack of effective vaccine and recent evidence of antiviral drug resistance in some isolates, alternative strategies for containment of a possible future pandemic are needed. Humanized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that neutralize H5N1 virus could be used as prophylaxis and treatment to aid in the containment of such a pandemic.

Methods

Neutralizing mAbs against H5 hemagglutinin were humanized and introduced into C57BL/6 mice (1, 5, or 10 mg/kg bodyweight) one day prior to-, one day post- and three days post-lethal challenge with H5N1 A/Vietnam/1203/04 virus. Efficacy was determined by observation of weight loss as well as survival.

Results

Two mAbs neutralizing for antigenically variant H5N1 viruses, A/Vietnam/1203/04 and A/Hong Kong/213/03 were identified and humanized without loss of specificity. Both antibodies exhibited prophylactic efficacy in mice, however, VN04-2-huG1 performed better requiring only 1 mg/kg bodyweight for complete protection. When used to treat infection VN04-2-huG1 was also completely protective, even when introduced three days post infection, although higher dose of antibody was required.

Conclusion

Prophylaxis and treatment using neutralizing humanized mAbs is efficacious against lethal challenge with A/Vietnam/1203/04, providing proof of principle for the use of passive antibody therapy as a containment option in the event of pandemic influenza.