In a recent study published in the journal Human Gene Therapy, researchers put the effectiveness of ZMapp antibodies on display and found they could achieve 100 percent protection against Ebola infection in mice.
To test this, scientists administered both individual ZMapp antibodies and greater doses through recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delivery vectors. They then tested their administration through intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal methods. In the process, they determined that single antibodies had the greatest efficacy. The study has obvious potential for human duplication down the line.
“Vectored antibody delivery has the potential to revolutionize how we respond to emerging pathogens like Ebola virus disease,” Terence R. Flotte, dean, provost, and executive deputy chancellor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, said. “Professor Gaillet’s work provides vital proof of this concept, which could greatly aid global preparedness for the next outbreak.”
Contributors included Bruno Gallet of the University Laval as well as coauthors from the National Research Council Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, University of Manitoba, University of Pennsylvania and McGill University.