In the past decade, West Nile Virus (WNV) in the United
States has resulted in more than 29,000 diagnosed cases of infection. These
infections can lead to severe neurological disease, long-term morbidity, and in
some cases even death.
There are no effective and specific antiviral treatments for
infection by WNV. There are no currently approved vaccines or therapeutic agents
for human use. The impact of WNV infection—particularly in resource-poor health
care systems—calls out for the develop-ment of a cost-effective and safe
therapeutic.
Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State
University have produced a therapeutic antibody against West Nile Virus. This
antibody can be rapidly produced at high levels in plants.
Results to-date have shown that an antibody purity of
greater than 95% can be produced in a scalable manner. In a mouse challenge
model, the researchers discovered that the antibody acts as both a prophylactic
and post-infection therapeutic agent. This antibody therefore may have the
potential to protect against infection in mammalian systems.
Potential Applications
- Prophylactic treatment of West Nile Virus infection
- Post-infection treatment of West Nile Virus
infection
Benefits and Advantages
- Scalable: Antibody production in plants can be increased
to meet demand.
- Cost-effective: Economical plant-based production of
recombinant antibodies.
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