Prophylactic efficacy of a human monoclonal antibody against MERS-CoV in the common marmoset

Antiviral Res. 2019 Mar:163:70-74. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.01.016. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Abstract

Effective antiviral treatments for MERS-CoV are urgently needed. LCA60 is a MERS-CoV-neutralizing monoclonal antibody isolated from a convalescent MERS patient. Previously, it was shown that treatment with LCA60 resulted in reduced disease and virus titers in mouse models of MERS-CoV infection. Here, we tested the prophylactic efficacy of LCA60 in the common marmoset model of MERS-CoV infection. Intravenous administration of LCA60 one day before virus challenge resulted in high levels of MERS-CoV-neutralizing activity in circulating blood. Clinically, there was a moderate benefit of treatment with LCA60 including reduced respiratory involvement. Although viral lung loads were not reduced in LCA60-treated animals as compared to controls, there were fewer pathological changes in the lungs. Thus, prophylactic LCA60 treatment could be implemented to reduce disease burden in contacts of confirmed MERS-CoV patients.

Keywords: Common marmoset; LCA60; MERS-CoV; Neutralizing monoclonal antibody; Prophylaxis; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / immunology
  • Antibodies, Viral / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Callithrix
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung / virology
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral