High-dose mannose-binding lectin therapy for Ebola virus infection

J Infect Dis. 2011 Jan 15;203(2):175-9. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiq025.

Abstract

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) targets diverse microorganisms for phagocytosis and complement-mediated lysis by binding specific surface glycans. Although recombinant human MBL (rhMBL) trials have focused on reconstitution therapy, safety studies have identified no barriers to its use at higher levels. Ebola viruses cause fatal hemorrhagic fevers for which no treatment exists and that are feared as potential biothreat agents. We found that mice whose rhMBL serum concentrations were increased ≥7-fold above average human levels survived otherwise fatal Ebola virus infections and became immune to virus rechallenge. Because Ebola glycoproteins potentially model other glycosylated viruses, rhMBL may offer a novel broad-spectrum antiviral approach.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Ebolavirus / immunology*
  • Ebolavirus / pathogenicity*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / drug therapy*
  • Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage*
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / administration & dosage*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Survival Analysis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin
  • Recombinant Proteins