Zika: an antibody to protect babies during pregnancy?

Publié le 18 Nov, 2016

At Saint-Louis in Missouri, scientists at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified an antibody capable of preventing transmission of the Zika virus from mother to baby during pregnancy.

 

This antibody of human origin called “ZIKV-117”, was introduced into cell cultures exposed to the Zika virus. Scientists also injected it in mice before infecting the animals with the virus.

 

The results are promising since antibody ZIKV-117 reduced the risk of infection and death in the animals. Tests carried out in pregnant mice show that the risk of foetal deformity and stillbirths is also reduced.

 

According to the authors who published their study in the Nature journal, these results could pave the way to developing a vaccine to combat the Zika virus. Following studies in mice, scientists have announced the intention to carry out experiments on monkeys.

 

Le Quotidien du Médecin (Damien Coulomb) 07/11/2016

 
 

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