Innovative Antibody Cocktail Shows Potential to Combat Multiple Strains of Influenza

Recent research highlights a promising development in the fight against influenza A virus (IAV), a pathogen responsible for approximately 500,000 deaths worldwide annually. While traditional vaccines are effective in preventing infection, they are often strain-specific and can be thwarted by viral mutations, underscoring the need for broader, more resilient therapeutic options.

Scientists at the Jackson Laboratory in Farmington, Connecticut, have explored a novel approach involving non-neutralizing antibodies—proteins produced by the immune system that assist in fighting infections rather than directly neutralizing the virus. Unlike current antibody therapies focused on neutralizing antibodies, this new strategy targets a critical component of the virus, the M2e protein, which plays a vital role in viral replication.

In their recent study published in Science Advances, the research team tested three different non-neutralizing antibodies that inhibit an essential proton channel in IAV. They experimented with various combinations, including single, paired, and triple antibody cocktails, to assess their effectiveness in mouse models infected with multiple strains of influenza, including highly lethal avian flu strains.

Results demonstrated that while low-dose pairs of these antibodies failed to offer complete protection, a triple cocktail containing all three antibodies was highly effective and provided universal protection across different strains. The combination's protective effect was attributed to the synergistic action of all three antibodies, targeting conserved regions of the M2e protein.

Remarkably, the therapy showed significant efficacy even when administered several days after infection. In tests with the H7N9 avian flu strain, 100% of infected mice survived when treated on the day of infection, the following day, or up to three days post-infection. Additionally, the treatment was effective regardless of the mice's immune status, indicating resistance to viral mutation and potential to prevent viral escape—a common challenge with existing treatments.

This breakthrough offers a new direction for influenza treatment, highlighting a broadly effective and mutation-resistant antibody cocktail. Although these findings are promising, clinical trials in humans are necessary to evaluate safety and effectiveness. Should human trials confirm the results, this therapy could become a vital off-the-shelf option for seasonal and pandemic influenza, especially during delays or failures of vaccine development.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-antibody-cocktail-multiple-strains-flu.html