Therapeutic monoclonal antibody treatment targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein mediates viral clearance and reduces the pathogenesis of RSV infection in BALB/c mice

J Infect Dis. 2009 Aug 1;200(3):439-47. doi: 10.1086/600108.

Abstract

Because the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has a CX3C chemokine motif that has been associated with the ability of RSV G protein to modulate the virus-induced host immune response, we examined whether therapeutic treatment with an anti-RSV G monoclonal antibody (mAb), 131-2G, that blocks the CX3C-associated activity of RSV G protein might decrease the pulmonary inflammation associated with infection in BALB/c mice. The results show that treatment with mAb 131-2G on day 3 after RSV infection reduces both inflammation and RSV titer in the lungs. Later administration of anti-RSV G mAb (day 5 after RSV infection) effectively reduced the viral titer but had a minimal effect on pulmonary inflammation. This study suggests that an anti-RSV G mAb might be an effective antiviral, either alone or in combination with anti-RSV F protein neutralizing antibodies, for decreasing the virus-induced host response to infection and improve treatment outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Female
  • Lung Diseases / immunology
  • Lung Diseases / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / virology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / immunology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / immunology*
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
  • Viral Fusion Proteins / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • G glycoprotein, Respiratory syncytial virus
  • Viral Fusion Proteins