BioCentury
ARTICLE | Targets & Mechanisms

Broader is better

August 23, 2012 7:00 AM UTC

A team from the Crucell Vaccine Institute and The Scripps Research Institute has identified a trio of neutralizing human mAbs that protect mice from challenge with influenza viruses, including one mAb that protects against both A and B strains.1 Crucell N.V., first plans to develop the antibodies to treat influenza-infected individuals and in the long run could use the antibody against A and B strains as a guide for developing a universal influenza vaccine.

Despite the success of prophylactic vaccines, seasonal influenza epidemics-either by the A or B strain-still cause morbidity and mortality every year. Influenza A viruses cause seasonal flu as well as influenza pandemics and are associated with more severe clinical disease. Influenza B viruses are the cause of seasonal epidemics every two to four years.2...