Duke-NUS Scientists Discover Antibody Targeting Dengue Virus
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a human antibody that effectively neutralizes the dengue virus, potentially paving the way for a cure.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore have discovered a human antibody capable of destroying the dengue virus, a breakthrough that could lead to an effective treatment for the disease which currently has no cure. The findings were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
Dengue fever affects between 50 to 100 million people globally each year, causing approximately 20,000 deaths. The research team, led by Associate Professor Paul MacAry, screened 200,000 cell lines from 200 recovered dengue patients over two years. They identified a recombinant antibody that binds to the dengue virus and prevents it from infecting other cells.
The newly discovered antibody has shown efficacy against DENV1, a subtype prevalent in Southeast Asia and a major cause of dengue cases in Singapore. Tests conducted with DENV1 strains from neighboring countries yielded similar positive outcomes. "This represents the best candidate therapy that currently exists for dengue," stated Prof. MacAry. Given its human origin, the antibody is anticipated to have minimal side effects.
The research team intends to initiate local clinical trials within 12 to 16 months. They project that a cure could be available within six to eight years following the successful completion of these trials.