Broad and potently neutralizing monoclonal antibodies isolated from human survivors of New World hantavirus infection

New World hantaviruses (NWHs) are endemic in North and South America and cause hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), with a case fatality rate of up to 40%. Knowledge of the natural humoral immune response to NWH infection is limited. Here, we describe human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from individuals previously infected with Sin Nombre virus (SNV) or Andes virus (ANDV). Most SNV-reactive antibodies show broad recognition and cross-neutralization of both New and Old World hantaviruses, while many ANDV-reactive antibodies show activity for ANDV only. mAbs ANDV-44 and SNV-53 compete for binding to a distinct site on the ANDV surface glycoprotein and show potently neutralizing activity to New and Old World hantaviruses. Four mAbs show therapeutic efficacy at clinically relevant doses in hamsters. These studies reveal a convergent and potently neutralizing human antibody response to NWHs and suggest therapeutic potential for human mAbs against HCPS.

Automated summary

The study found that the human response to New World hantaviruses infection has a convergent and potently neutralizing antibody reaction, with some monoclonal antibodies capable of broadly recognizing and cross-neutralizing both New and Old World hantaviruses. These antibodies hold therapeutic potential against HCPS.