我国科研人员发现有效抑制“蜱虫病”的抗体组合

Core Viewpoint - Nanjing University has developed a novel combination of nano-antibodies that can effectively and broadly inhibit tick-borne disease, with plans to initiate clinical research during the peak season next year [1][2]. Group 1: Research Development - The research team, led by Professor Wu Xilin, has created a cocktail of nano-antibodies targeting the Dabie bandavirus, which causes tick-borne disease, with no current effective treatments available [1][2]. - The team previously isolated the first generation of nano-antibodies from llamas in 2016 and has since focused on enhancing the breadth and efficiency of these antibodies through a "cocktail therapy" approach [2][3]. Group 2: Mechanism and Efficacy - Two specific nano-antibodies, Nb261 and Nb318, have been identified to effectively block the virus by targeting critical sites on the virus protein, thus preventing infection [2][3]. - In animal model experiments using ferrets to simulate the immune response of individuals over 60, the cocktail therapy resulted in no fatalities among infected ferrets, with viral loads dropping to undetectable levels and significant improvements in platelet counts and tissue damage [3]. Group 3: Future Plans - The research team has commenced preclinical studies on the pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and process scaling of the nano-antibodies, aiming to conduct clinical trials during the high incidence period of tick-borne disease next year [3][4].