Overview
- The LJI team, whose peer-reviewed paper appeared Thursday in Cell Host & Microbe, detailed fully human monoclonal antibodies that stop measles from entering cells.
- The antibodies came from the memory B cells of a 56-year-old vaccinated volunteer and bind two surface proteins known as H and F.
- In cotton rats, an infusion cut viral load by about 500-fold when given before exposure or within 24 to 48 hours after infection.
- One candidate, called 3A12, targeted the F protein and drove circulating virus below detection in the rodent studies.
- Researchers highlighted possible use for post-exposure treatment and prophylaxis in vulnerable people, while experts stressed vaccines remain first-line and warned any therapy would need early use and careful testing for delivery limits, cost, and evolution risks.