American scientists from the University of Texas and experts from the pharmaceutical company Mapp Biopharmaceutical have developed an experimental monoclonal antibody targeting the zoonotic Nipah virus (transmitted from animals to humans). It is considered the world’s most dangerous zoonotic pathogen for humans. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Science Translational Medicine (STM).
“Nipah virus is a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus that causes regular epidemics in humans and animals in South and Southeast Asia,” said Mapp Biopharmaceutical.
Like the Ebola virus, SARS, SARS-CoV-2 and Marburg virus, the Nipah pathogen originated in bats. People infected with the Nipah virus can develop dangerous respiratory problems and brain swelling. There is no vaccine or cure yet, and the mortality rate in patients reaches 90 percent.
In the research, the team developed an improved monoclonal antibody that targets the Nipah virus form of the F protein, called hu1F5. Scientists tested the new monoclonal antibody in animal models.
The team found that administering hu1F5 one day after infection resulted in 100% survival of the hamsters. The antibody also protected African green monkeys from Nipah virus even when injected five days after infection.
According to scientists, this discovery contributes to the production of drugs that will protect people from Nipah virus.
Previous researchers warned About a sharp increase in human deaths due to animal-borne diseases.