Scientists isolate four potent measles antibodies from vaccinated woman's blood
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · May 7
Scientists isolate four potent measles antibodies from vaccinated woman's blood
13 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 7
The antibodies came from a 56-year-old woman and could help protect people exposed as measles cases rise again in the United States.
The findings point toward a treatment for the highly contagious respiratory disease, which still lacks a specific antiviral therapy after infection.
Earlier research from La Jolla Institute showed the antibodies cut viral loads 500-fold in rodent models, with potential use for babies and immunocompromised people.
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Advancing Measles Monoclonal Antibody Therapies: From 500-Fold Viral Suppression in Preclinical Models to Clinical Development
Overview
In 2025-2026, researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified potent human monoclonal antibodies that neutralize the measles virus by targeting its key surface proteins, blocking viral attachment and fusion. These antibodies showed remarkable effectiveness in preclinical rodent trials, reducing viral loads by 500-fold and sometimes clearing the infection. Driven by a global surge in measles cases and urgent public health needs, companies like Saravir Biopharma and Invivyd are advancing these antibodies toward clinical trials, with human testing expected to begin around 2027. While challenges like manufacturing complexity and cold-chain requirements may delay widespread availability, these therapies hold great promise to protect vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated, complementing existing vaccination efforts.