Neutralizing antibody

A neutralizing antibody (NAb) is an antibody that defends a cell from an antigen or infectious body by neutralizing any effect it has biologically.[3] An example of a neutralizing antibody is diphtheria antitoxin, which can neutralize the biological effects of diphtheria toxin.[4]

Neutralizing Antibodies
Standard antibody representation.
Properties
Protein TypeImmunoglobin
FunctionNeutralization of Antigens
ProductionWhite B-cells[1][2]

Neutralization method

Most antibodies work by binding to an antigen, signaling to a white blood cell that this antigen has been targeted, after which the antigen is processed and consequently destroyed. The difference between neutralizing antibodies and binding antibodies is that neutralizing antibodies neutralize the biological effects of the antigen, while binding antibodies flag antigens.[5] This difference can be shown with IFN-beta (IFN-β);

Crystal structure of human Interferon Beta (IFN-β)

"Antibodies can simply bind to IFN-beta or glatiramer acetate (binding Ab, or BAb) with no subsequent effect on function, or they can block or neutralize (neutralizing Ab, or NAb) their biological activity." --Mark S. Freedman, MD, MSc

This difference is what gives neutralizing antibodies the ability to fight viruses which attack the immune system, since they can neutralize function without a need for white blood cells (excluding production)[5]

Broadly-neutralizing antibodies

Broadly-neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) affect multiple strains of a particular virus.

Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies

Most mutations that shape bNAbs take place at the tips of the Y-shaped antibody molecules, which have loops to ensnare viral epitopes. bNAbs are stickier than other antibodies.

BNAbs are known for HIV and influenza. Los Alamos National Laboratory's HIV Databases is a comprehensive resource that has a wealth of information about HIV sequences, bNAbs, and more.[6] HIV viruses have only about 10 trimers on the surface versus some 450 for influenza. However, bNAbs can compensate by latching on to lipids that make up the viral membrane or even to sugars. bNAb loops are typically longer than ordinary antibodies, increasing the variety of epitopes they can capture. They also accumulate many mutations in the framework region that increase breadth and potency. These mutations do not compromise the antibody's stability, for unknown reasons.[7]

Most bNAb sites are on HIV’s only exposed surface antigen, the flower-like envelope (Env) protein (gp120 and gp41) that sprouts from the viral membrane and is designed to grab and penetrate host cells.

The search for bNAbs has expanded to other infections, including hepatitis C, dengue and West Nile virus.[7]

Research into clinical applications of broadly neutralising antibodies

Neutralizing antibodies have potential in the treatment of retroviral infections. Researchers have shown how the encoding of genes which influence the production of this particular type of antibody could help in the treatment of infections which attack the immune system. Research is ongoing as to whether neutralising antibodies can treat or prevent HIV.

Recently, potent and broadly neutralizing human antibodies against influenza (such as CR6261), HIV and hepatitis C have been reported, and have suggested possible strategies to generate an improved vaccine that would confer long-lasting immunity.

Neutralizing antibodies may also assist the treatment of multiple sclerosis.[2] Although this type of antibody has the ability to fight retroviral infections, in some cases it attacks pharmaceuticals administered to the body which would otherwise treat multiple sclerosis. Recombinant protein drugs, especially those derived from animals, are commonly targeted by neutralizing antibodies. A few examples are Rebif, Betaseron and Avonex.[2]

Promise in Medicine
Disease Promise Used?
Multiple sclerosisThere is some promise but there have been issues with pharmaceuticalsYes
HIVGlobal clinical research trials are under way to understand whether bNAbs can prevent HIV-1 infection. The antibody that is in the most advanced phase of trials is called VRC01.No


See also

References

  1. Mike Recher; Karl S Lang; Lukas Hunziker; Stefan Freigang; Bruno Eschli; Nicola L Harris; Alexander Navarini; Beatrice M Senn; Katja Fink; Marius Lötscher; Lars Hangartner; Raphaël Zellweger; Martin Hersberger; Alexandre Theocharides; Hans Hengartner; Rolf M Zinkernagel (8 August 2004). "Deliberate removal of T cell help improves virus-neutralizing antibody production". Nature Immunology. 5 (9): 934–942. doi:10.1038/ni1102. PMID 15300247.
  2. Stachowiak, Julie (August 15, 2008). "Neutralizing Antibodies and Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis". About.com. Retrieved 13 June 2009.
  3. "Neutralising antibody". Biology-Online. 2008. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
  4. "AssessScience". McGraw-Hill. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
  5. Freedman, Mark S. (August 30, 2003). "The Role of Neutralizing Antibodies in MS Treatments". Medscape. Retrieved 2009-08-04.
  6. "HIV Databases - lanl.gov".
  7. Cohen, J. (2013). "Bound for Glory". Science. 341 (6151): 1168–1171. doi:10.1126/science.341.6151.1168. PMID 24030996.
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