Scientists have discovered that the blood of paediatricians contains unusually potent antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and common cold viruses, potentially revolutionising preventative treatments. These antibodies have demonstrated superior performance compared to currently approved therapies, raising the possibility of broader-acting protection for vulnerable populations.
The Unexpected Source of Powerful Antibodies
Paediatricians, due to their constant exposure to respiratory pathogens, represent an untapped resource for developing highly effective antibody treatments. Existing antibody therapies, while available for RSV – which infects nearly all children by age two – only neutralise select strains. A team led by Hui Zhai at the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University screened the blood of ten long-serving paediatricians, identifying 56 potent antibodies against RSV in their immune cells.
These antibodies, when artificially replicated and tested in the lab, proved remarkably effective against a diverse range of RSV strains. Notably, one antibody also neutralised human metapneumovirus, a close relative of RSV and a frequent cause of colds that can lead to severe illness in children.
Animal Trials Show Dramatic Improvements
Experiments conducted on mice and rats confirmed the effectiveness of the paediatrician-derived antibodies. Injections of these antibodies, alone or in combination, prevented the animals from developing RSV or human metapneumovirus symptoms. Crucially, these antibodies exhibited up to 25 times greater potency in blocking RSV compared to existing treatments like nirsevimab and clesrovimab, while also neutralising a wider spectrum of viral strains.
“I’ve been working with paediatric patients for 10 years now and in my first few years, I would probably get two to three notable respiratory illnesses per year, and now I can go a year without getting any.” – Trent Calcutt, Port Macquarie Base Hospital
This finding aligns with anecdotal evidence among paediatricians who report increased resilience to respiratory viruses over time. This heightened immunity is likely due to repeated exposure, leading to the development of more effective antibodies.
Current Treatments vs. Potential Breakthroughs
Currently, RSV prevention relies on maternal vaccination during pregnancy, offering protection to infants at birth, or post-natal injections of nirsevimab or clesrovimab. However, these options have limitations in strain coverage. No approved vaccine or antibody therapy exists for human metapneumovirus.
Existing antibody therapies, like nirsevimab and clesrovimab, were previously developed from screening adults who had recovered from RSV infections. However, the paediatrician-derived antibodies demonstrate a clear advantage in potency and strain coverage.
The discovery warrants further investigation through human clinical trials, according to experts. The prospect of a more effective, broadly protective treatment against RSV and related viruses is now within reach, potentially offering significant relief to children and healthcare systems worldwide.
