SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vir Biotechnology Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) today announced the publication of preclinical research in an influenza animal model highlighting a new mechanism for enhancing the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies to treat viral infection and induce a protective response. Data demonstrate that selective engagement of an activating Fc receptor on dendritic cells by antiviral monoclonal antibodies induced protective CD8+ T cell adaptive responses. The paper, entitled Fc-optimized antibodies elicit CD8 immunity to viral respiratory infection, was published in the October 8, 2020 online edition of Nature.
In the past several years, we've gained a better understanding of how integral Fc mediated effector functions of monoclonal antibodies are for their therapeutic efficacy in pre-clinical models of neoplastic, infectious and inflammatory diseases, said Jeffrey V. Ravetch, M.D., Ph.D., study senior author and Theresa and Eugene M. Lang Professor and Head of the Leonard Wagner Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology at The Rockefeller University. These approaches have been successfully applied to anti-tumor therapeutics and have resulted in improved clinical outcomes in a variety of oncologic diseases. Our present studies have uncovered a significant new mechanism by which antibodies, through their Fc region, can not only engage innate immune responses but activate adaptive T cell responses, thereby stimulating protective anti-viral immunity in these models.
The research published in Nature focuses on the role of the Fc domain of monoclonal antibodies, regions with the capacity to bind to other immune cells through a family of receptors (the Fc receptors). By engineering antibodies with modified Fc domains to enhance binding to specific Fc receptors on innate immune cells, investigators observed an enhanced protective immune response. Certain modifications (GAALIE variants) were associated with activation of dendritic cells, as well as antiviral effector T-cells, indicating induction of the adaptive arm of the immune system, which is responsible for long-term immunity. Based on this research, monoclonal antibodies programmed with improved effector function represent a potential new approach in the design of therapeutic antibodies for both the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
By observing and learning from our bodys powerful natural defenses, we have discovered how to maximize the capacity of antibodies through the amplification of key characteristics that may enable more effective treatments for viral diseases, said Herbert Skip Virgin, M.D., Ph.D., study co-author and executive vice president, research, and chief scientific officer of Vir. These data may have significant implications across a wide range of infectious diseases, and we look forward to exploring the vaccinal potential of the GAALIE-engineered antibodies we are advancing through clinical development VIR-3434 for chronic hepatitis B and VIR-7832 for SARS-CoV-2.
The preclinical study was conducted by Dr. Ravetch and Stylianos Bournazos, Ph.D., of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology at The Rockefeller University, in collaboration with Dr. Virgin and Davide Corti, Ph.D., senior vice president of antibody research at Virs subsidiary Humabs BioMed SA.
This type of exceptional collaborative partnership between cutting-edge science and clinical application has the potential to significantly improve our ability to address infectious diseases, stated Dr. Virgin.
Vir is currently evaluating several monoclonal antibodies that have been Fc engineered to include the XX2 vaccinal mutation (or GAALIE variant) for which Vir has licensed exclusive rights for all infectious diseases.
About VIR-3434VIR-3434 is a subcutaneously administered HBV-neutralizing monoclonal antibody designed to block entry of all 10 genotypes of HBV into hepatocytes and also to reduce the level of virions and subviral particles in the blood. VIR-3434 has been engineered to have an extended half-life as well as to potentially function as a T cell vaccine against HBV in infected patients.
About VIR-7832VIR-7832 is a monoclonal antibody that has shown the ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 live virus in vitro. The antibody binds to an epitope on SARS-CoV-2 that is shared with SARS-CoV-1 (also known as SARS), indicating that the epitope is highly conserved, which may make it more difficult for escape mutants to develop. VIR-7832 has been engineered with the potential to enhance lung bioavailability, have an extended half-life, and function as a therapeutic and/or prophylactic T cell vaccine. VIR-7832 is being developed by Vir and its partner GlaxoSmithKline plc(LSE/NYSE: GSK) as part of their broader collaboration to research and develop solutions for coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
About Vir BiotechnologyVir Biotechnology is a clinical-stage immunology company focused on combining immunologic insights with cutting-edge technologies to treat and prevent serious infectious diseases. Vir has assembled four technology platforms that are designed to stimulate and enhance the immune system by exploiting critical observations of natural immune processes. Its current development pipeline consists of product candidates targeting hepatitis B virus, influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis. For more information, please visitwww.vir.bio.
Vir Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as potential, may, will, could, expect, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, goal, intend, candidate, continuing, developing and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Virs expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements regarding the ability of enhanced Fc mediated effector functions in enhancing the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies to treat viral infections and inducing a protective response in animal models, using an oncological therapeutic approach and enhanced effector function in the treatment of infectious diseases, the vaccinal potential of specifically engineered antibodies in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and SARS-CoV-2, and statements around the companys plans to explore the vaccinal potential of engineered antibodies as it advances through clinical development of VIR-3434 for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and VIR-7832 for SARS-CoV-2. Many factors may cause differences between current expectations and actual results including unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during preclinical or clinical studies, challenges in treating chronic hepatitis B and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, difficulty in collaborating with other companies or government agencies, and challenges in accessing manufacturing capacity. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in Virs filings with theU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section titled Risk Factors contained therein. Except as required by law, Vir assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.
- Comparing Genetics and Molecular Genetics: What's the Difference? - December 19th, 2024
- Standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence ... - PubMed - December 19th, 2024
- Chapter 12: Techniques of Molecular Genetics - Biology LibreTexts - December 19th, 2024
- 8.S: Techniques of Molecular Genetics (Summary) - December 19th, 2024
- Master of Science Computational Biology and Quantitative Genetics - December 19th, 2024
- Pitt Researchers Lead Group that Calls for Global Discussion About Possible Risks from Mirror Bacteria - Pitt Health Sciences - December 19th, 2024
- Molecular Genetics Testing - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - November 16th, 2024
- Working with Molecular Genetics (Hardison) - Biology LibreTexts - November 16th, 2024
- Molecular Underpinnings of Genetic and Rare Diseases: From ... - Frontiers - November 16th, 2024
- The molecular genetics of schizophrenia: New findings promise new insights. - November 16th, 2024
- 8: Techniques of Molecular Genetics - Biology LibreTexts - September 4th, 2024
- 1.5: Molecular Genetics - Biology LibreTexts - September 4th, 2024
- Molecular genetics made simple - PMC - National Center for ... - September 4th, 2024
- 4 Introduction to Molecular Genetics - University of Minnesota Twin Cities - September 4th, 2024
- Molecular genetics - Definition and Examples - Biology Online - September 4th, 2024
- A Detailed Look at the Science of Molecular Genetics - KnowYourDNA - September 4th, 2024
- Molecular Genetics | NHLBI, NIH - September 4th, 2024
- Molecular biology - Wikipedia - September 4th, 2024
- Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology Admissions - September 4th, 2024
- Researchers map 50,000 of DNAs mysterious knots in the human genome - EurekAlert - September 4th, 2024
- Artificial selection of mutations in two nearby genes gave rise to shattering resistance in soybean - Nature.com - September 4th, 2024
- Mainz Biomed Expands Corporate Health Program for ColoAlert with the Addition of Three New Companies in Germany - Marketscreener.com - April 7th, 2023
- Molecular Genetics and Metabolism | Journal - ScienceDirect - December 11th, 2022
- People don't mate randomly but the flawed assumption that they do is an essential part of many studies linking genes to diseases and traits - The... - November 25th, 2022
- Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics - Master of Science / PhD ... - October 7th, 2022
- NIPD Genetics: Leading Genetic Testing Company - October 7th, 2022
- Skeletal Biology and Regeneration Students Recognized For Research Excellence - UConn Today - University of Connecticut - October 7th, 2022
- Mary Munson elected fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology - UMass Medical School - October 7th, 2022
- Every Body's Talking at Them: an Interview with Jon Lieff - CounterPunch - October 7th, 2022
- TriBeta invites students to explore opportunities to work with faculty at research fair on Oct. 11 - Ohio University - October 7th, 2022
- Genetics: the Vatican Does Not Intend to Be Behind the Times - FSSPX.News - October 7th, 2022
- Yield10 Bioscience Appoints Willie Loh, Ph.D., to the Board of Directors - citybiz - October 7th, 2022
- Molecular pathways of major depressive disorder converge on the synapse | Molecular Psychiatry - Nature.com - October 7th, 2022
- Sigyn Therapeutics Strengthens Board of Directors With the Appointments of Richa Nand, Jim Dorst and Christopher Wetzel - Yahoo Finance - October 7th, 2022
- UTHSC Researcher Co-Leads Study of Genes that Modulate Aging, Lifespan - UTHSC News - UTHSC News - October 7th, 2022
- GATC Health Investor Conference to Feature First Public Demonstration of Its AI Platform's Drug Discovery Capabilities - PR Newswire - October 7th, 2022
- Three Professors Conferred Tenure and Eleven Promoted - Wesleyan Argus - October 7th, 2022
- Who will get the call from Stockholm? It's time for STAT's 2022 Nobel Prize predictions - STAT - October 7th, 2022
- Dalhousie to present exhibition celebrating Gerhard Herzberg and his legacy - Dal News - October 7th, 2022
- Why Some People Should Rethink Their Morning Cup Of Coffee - Health Digest - October 7th, 2022
- Cell and Gene Therapy: Rewriting the Future of Medicine - Technology Networks - October 7th, 2022
- UofL researchers lead the call to increase genetic diversity in immunogenomics - uoflnews.com - July 6th, 2021
- In Brief This Week: Foundation Medicine, Myriad Genetics, Genetron Health, and More - GenomeWeb - July 6th, 2021
- More filling? Tastes great? How flies, and maybe people, choose their food - Yale News - July 6th, 2021
- Genetic mapping of subsets of patients with fragile X syndro | TACG - Dove Medical Press - July 6th, 2021
- What is The Babydust Method? Danielle Lloyd swears method helped her conceive girl - The Mirror - July 6th, 2021
- Datar Cancer Genetics joins hands with US based Iylon Precision Oncology to offer personalized Precision Oncology cancer treatment solutions - PR Web - July 6th, 2021
- Mapping a pathway to competitive production - hortidaily.com - hortidaily.com - July 6th, 2021
- Associations between pancreatic expression quantitative traits and risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. - Physician's Weekly - July 6th, 2021
- Global Genomics Market | Rising Incidence of Chronic and Genetic Diseases are Key Factors to Grow Market During 2021-2029 | 23andMe, Agilent... - July 6th, 2021
- The Babydust Method Danielle Lloyd used to conceive a girl after four sons and how it works - RSVP Live - July 6th, 2021
- In the beginning science and faith - The Irish Times - June 24th, 2021
- Ancient Maya Maintained Native Tropical Forest Plants around Their Water Reservoirs | Archaeology - Sci-News.com - June 24th, 2021
- Local foundation awards $1.25 million to MIND Institute to study rare genetic condition - UC Davis Health - June 24th, 2021
- Xlife Sciences AG: Collaboration with the University of Marburg - Yahoo Finance - June 24th, 2021
- Genetics diagnostics in India is on the verge of transformation: Neeraj Gupta, Founder and CEO of Genes2me - The Financial Express - June 24th, 2021
- Precision Medicine: Improving Health With Personalized Solutions - BioSpace - June 24th, 2021
- Half of Portland areas 22 top National Merit winners hail from just 2 schools - OregonLive - June 24th, 2021
- Investing in stem cells, the building blocks of the body - MoneyWeek - June 24th, 2021
- New study finds low levels of a sugar metabolite associates with disability and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis - Newswise - May 14th, 2021
- Cernadas-Martn Is a Champion for Marine and Human Diversity | | SBU News - Stony Brook News - May 14th, 2021
- Four Penn Faculty: Election to the National Academy of Sciences - UPENN Almanac - May 14th, 2021
- Is there a difference between a gene-edited organism and a 'GMO'? The question has important implications for regulation - Genetic Literacy Project - May 14th, 2021
- 5 Students Inducted Into American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Honor Society - Wesleyan Connection - May 14th, 2021
- The Science of Aliens, Part 2: What Kind of Genetic Code Would Extraterrestrials Have? - Air & Space Magazine - May 14th, 2021
- UT Austin Faculty Member Receives 2021 Piper Professor Award - Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost - UT News | The University of Texas... - May 14th, 2021
- Distinguished University of Birmingham plant scientist elected to the Royal Society - University of Birmingham - May 14th, 2021
- Double Hoo Research: Undergrads and Grads Team Up to Create Knowledge - University of Virginia - May 14th, 2021
- Global Genetic Testing Market Top Countries Analysis and Manufacturers With Impact of COVID-19 | 2021-2028 Detail Analysis focusing on Application,... - May 14th, 2021
- Morag Park named to the Order of Quebec - McGill Reporter - McGill Reporter - May 14th, 2021
- Third Rock Ventures Launches Flare Therapeutics With $82 Million Series A - BioSpace - May 14th, 2021
- The Royal Society announces election of new Fellows 2021 - Cambridge Network - May 14th, 2021
- Researchers Decode the "Language" of Immune Cells - Technology Networks - May 14th, 2021
- RepliCel Launches the Next Stage of a Research Project with the University of British Columbia to Build World-Class Hair Follicle Cell Data Map -... - May 14th, 2021
- Mice Sperm Sabotage Other Swimmers With Poison | Smart News - Smithsonian Magazine - February 14th, 2021
- Study Identifies Never-Before-Seen Dual Function in Enzyme Critical for Cancer Growth - Newswise - February 14th, 2021
- Devious sperm 'poison' their rivals, forcing them to swim in circles until they die - Livescience.com - February 14th, 2021
- More needs to be done to find and fight COVID-19 variants, says Colorado researcher - FOX 31 Denver - February 14th, 2021
- Selfish sperm genes 'poison' the competition for the win - Big Think - February 14th, 2021
- Some sperm cells swim faster and even poison their competition to climb to the top - ZME Science - February 14th, 2021