A #monoclonal anti-hemagglutinin stem #antibody modified with #zanamivir protects against both #influenza A and B viruses
Significance Anti-influenza therapeutics remain essential for the control of influenza infections , which may require hospitalization for the most severe cases. Hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), the two membrane glycoproteins of the influenza virus, play crucial roles in the viral replication cycle. While many monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors target HA or NA, each faces limitations tied to their individual properties. We developed an antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) by covalently linking the NA inhibitor zanamivir to MEDI8852, an HA stem-specific monoclonal antibody . The MEDI8852–zanamivir conjugate targets both HA and NA and offers robust and long-lasting protection in mice against lethal infections with influenza A and B viruses. This approach represents an addition to anti-influenza therapy. Abstract Influenza remains a significant public health threat . Both monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors can target the influenza surface glycoproteins ...