Scientists discover antibodies that could prevent and treat measles

For the first time, scientists have identified human antibodies capable of neutralizing the measles virus—a discovery that could lead to a new approach for the prevention and treatment of this highly contagious disease. This was reported by Reuters.

The antibodies attach to key sites on the measles virus and prevent it from entering the body’s cells, according to a study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe.

“These antibodies act prophylactically—to protect against initial infection—and also work as a treatment after exposure to the virus,” said study leader Erica Ollmann Saphire of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology in California.

Previously, scientists used a technique called cryo-electron microscopy to obtain the first images of how mouse antibodies bind to the measles virus. These initial studies showed which parts of the virus are vulnerable to antibody attack.

In the new study, researchers isolated measles antibodies from a woman vaccinated against the virus many years ago. In her blood, they found antibodies that bind to two key structures of the virus—the fusion protein and the attachment protein “H”—thereby neutralizing it.

According to the study, the infusion of these antibodies led to a 500-fold lower viral load in rodents infected with measles when administered both before exposure to the virus and within 24 to 48 hours after infection.

The researchers found that one of the antibodies—named 3A12—made the circulating virus virtually undetectable.

While more research is needed, scientists describe the antibodies as a promising tool in the fight against measles. New three-dimensional images of their structure could help develop the first treatment against the virus to be used both before and after contact with the infection.

“Antibodies against the measles virus would be particularly useful for people with weakened immune systems and for people who are not yet fully vaccinated, including young children who are too young for vaccination,” the authors state.

“These groups currently have no protection other than herd immunity,” they added.

The study comes amid growing vaccine skepticism due to misinformation, leading to a decline in vaccination rates in several communities. The US has already reported the highest number of measles cases in decades.