Cows with human chromosomes enlisted to fight hantavirus
By David Shultz
26 November 2014 2:00 pm
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Creating human antibodies in an animal model is no small feat. Scientists combined parts of human chromosome 14 and human chromosome 2?the bits that are needed to produce antibodies?into an artificial chromosome and implanted it in cows. The genes responsible for producing cow antibodies were silenced. As a result, the bovines produced immune cells that spit out human antibodies.
Scientists then administered experimental hantavirus DNA vaccines, against the Andes and Sin Nombre strains, to the ?transchromosomal? cows. Within a month, the animals were producing liters of high-concentration human antibodies against both strains....
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Of course, nothing is certain. In very rare instances, some previous antibody therapies have actually helped viruses reproduce in cells by serving as a bridge to host cells. ?In order to really finish the proof-of-concept, clinical studies in humans showing safety need to be performed,? Hooper says. ?If this material turns out to be as easy to produce as it seems, and it?s safe, I think it?s a great, great way to move forward.?
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