TheDigger Intelligence Unit
Scientists at Fred Hutch Cancer Centre have created antibodies that block the Epstein‑Barr virus (EBV). EBV infects almost 95% of people worldwide and is linked to cancers and chronic diseases.
In lab tests using human immune system models, one antibody completely blocked EBV infection. This shows that targeted treatments might finally stop a virus that has long been seen as impossible to control.
What Is Epstein‑Barr Virus?
Epstein‑Barr virus is among the world’s most common infections. Most people contract it, often without symptoms.
Although it can remain inactive, EBV has been connected to cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and problems for transplant patients.
It can infect almost all B cells, key parts of the immune system. This has made it difficult to stop.
The Breakthrough Approach
Researchers at Fred Hutch used mice that expressed human antibody genes. This lets them make monoclonal antibodies similar to those in people.
They focused on two viral proteins: gp350, which helps EBV bind to cells, and gp42, which allows the virus to enter cells. The team found antibodies that could block the virus at these points.
One antibody targeting gp42 completely blocked EBV infection in models with human-like immune systems, while another targeting gp350 provided partial protection.
“EBV can invade nearly all B cells, making it extremely hard to stop,” said Andrew McGuire, PhD, of Fred Hutch’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division. “By targeting the virus’s entry points, we’ve taken a key step toward blocking it.”
Implications for Transplant Patients
This is especially significant for transplant medicine. Over 128,000 Americans receive organ or bone marrow transplants annually.
These patients usually take drugs that weaken their immune systems. This makes them more likely to have EBV come back and develop post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD), a serious type of lymphoma.
“Preventing EBV viremia could lower PTLD rates and improve outcomes,” said Rachel Bender Ignacio, MD, MPH, infectious disease physician at Fred Hutch and the University of Washington. “Effective prevention remains a major unmet need in transplant medicine.”
Toward Preventive Therapy
Fred Hutch has filed for patent protection for the antibodies. They are working with industry partners to start clinical trials. The aim is to use antibody infusions to protect high-risk patients—such as transplant recipients or children who have not been exposed—from EBV infection or reactivation.
“There’s momentum to turn our discovery into a therapy that will greatly help patients,” McGuire said. “After years seeking protection against Epstein-Barr virus, this is a major advance for the community and those at highest risk.”