Scientists have designed synthetic antibody molecules that can be used by poultry to reduce flu symptoms. The molecules also reduce the number of influenza viruses released into the environment, suggesting the possibility of using them as immunotherapy treatments to reduce the flu burden in poultry.
The study carried out by the research team at the Pirbright Institute, Surrey, UK, involved generating synthetic antibodies against avian influenza strain H9N2, posing significant risks for both the poultry industry and Poultry species, larger mammals due to the ability to adapt to new hosts through mutations.
Modified antibody segments, known as single-segmented antibodies (scFvs), have been shown to prevent the H9N2 virus from entering cells in laboratory tissue culture. Further testing showed that chickens that were internally vaccinated with scFvs produced lower viral levels and lost weight compared to untreated birds. The scFvs antibodies work by binding to proteins outside the influenza virus, called haemagglutinin (HA), to attach to receptors on the host cell. Preventing viruses from entering cells and multiplying, protects quickly infected birds.
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To make scFV, the team vaccinated mice with the flu vaccine, which activates the production of mouse antibodies that neutralize the H9N2 virus. The genetic code for the two parts of the antibodies that bind to the HA protein was then sequenced. Using genetic engineering, they linked the two parts together to create a new, smaller molecule of antibody (scFvs). By creating these smaller molecules, the team was able to overcome the problems posed by using whole antibodies, such as lower production rates and increased immune removal. outbreaks of species other than chickens.
Published in the Vaccines, the scFvs created in this study have additional advantages including their ability to mass-produce in insect cells, and they can act against viruses in all organisms. The owner that doesn't adapt. Commenting on the results, Professor Munir Iqbal, team leader at Pirbright in avian influenza research, said: These results are encouraging and demonstrate that scFvs can deliver quickly and quickly. effective to reduce the clinical signs of influenza and the spread in infected flocks, reducing the risk of transmission from poultry to humans. The next step will be to establish the best approach for governance, whether this is internal, as we have done in this study, or through vector or virus delivery systems. Professor Iqbal added that this type of immunotherapy could be used to treat other avian and human viral diseases.
