Antibodies Guide T Cells to Kill CMV Infected Cells
- A new approach using T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (TRBAs) shows promise in targeting and eliminating cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected cells, offering a possibly faster and more effective treatment then current...
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) poses a notable threat, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems.
- The UCLA team's innovative approach centers on T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (TRBAs).
UCLA Researchers Develop Bispecific Antibodies to Combat Cytomegalovirus
Table of Contents
A new approach using T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (TRBAs) shows promise in targeting and eliminating cytomegalovirus (CMV)-infected cells, offering a possibly faster and more effective treatment then current options.
The Challenge of Cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) poses a notable threat, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems. Current treatments, such as antiviral medications, can be time-consuming to administer, hindering their effectiveness in life-threatening situations. Similarly, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) therapy, while promising, also suffers from delays in application. A more rapid and efficient treatment strategy is urgently needed.
How TRBAs Work
The UCLA team’s innovative approach centers on T-cell redirecting bispecific antibodies (TRBAs). These antibodies have previously been used in cancer therapies, but researchers are now exploring their potential against CMV. The engineered TRBAs function as a bridge,connecting CD3-epsilon on CD8+ T-cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes or CTLs) to a viral protein found on CMV-infected cells. This targeted connection causes the CTLs to cluster around and destroy the infected cells.
Future Prospects and funding
“Hopefully, if there is commercial interest, these antibodies could be tested in clinical trials,” stated Yang, a member of the research team. The study was funded entirely through philanthropic donations, with no grant funding received by the authors.
Research Team
The research team includes Ather Researchers on the Day of Ayub Ali, Aryumum, Ba Hopefully Ibabroon, Union, Srah Habipooour, Sarah Habman, and Lim, and LimFn.