Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology LJI and Columbia University are using advanced imaging techniques to develop treatments that prevent the measles virus from fusing with human cells. Their research, particularly on the antibody mAb 77, shows promise in blocking this critical step of viral infection, with implications for other viruses as well. Researchers uncovered exactly how a neutralizing antibody blocks measles virus infection and are using that knowledge to develop new vaccines and treatments to inhibit the measles virus by stopping its fusion process with human cells.
Using cryo-electron microscopy, they’ve visualized how an antibody, mAb 77, interrupts this fusion, offering insights that could also apply to other deadly viruses. The study shows potential for mAb 77 to be part of a treatment cocktail to protect against or treat measles, particularly in vulnerable populations. What happens when the measles virus meets a human cell? The viral machinery unfolds in just the right way to reveal key pieces that let it fuse itself into the host cell membrane.
Once the fusion process is complete, the host cell is a goner. It belongs to the virus now. Advancements in Measles Research and Vaccine Development Scientists in the La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) Center for Vaccine Innovation are working to develop new measles vaccines and therapeutics that stop this fusion process.
The researchers recently harnessed an imaging technique called cryo-electron.