Antibody keeps simian immunodeficiency virus away in monkeys
Researchers tested an experimental antibody on infant monkeys to stop simian immunodeficiency virus from returning after treatment ended.
Scientists at the University of California, Davis targeted specific cells using a new method to fight the hidden virus reservoir inside infected animals. This approach avoids identifying each individual infected cell directly.
Twenty newborn rhesus macaques received the virus before starting medication. Some also got a single dose of the antibody designed to bind CCR5 and CD3 proteins together.
Animals receiving only drugs saw the virus return quickly. Those with the antibody stayed disease-free for much longer periods.
Four monkeys showed no sign of the virus for over three months. One remained undetectable in the blood for a full four years of follow-up time.
Further tests found no viral genetic material in tissues. This supports the idea that the treatment substantially reduced the hidden viral reservoir significantly.
The study team said this approach works best for infants because their immune systems rebuild quickly after the initial infection event occurs. They emphasized that safety and effectiveness must be proven in humans before this method can be used to treat people with the disease.