Therapeutic and protective efficacy of a dengue antibody against Zika infection in rhesus monkeys

Strategies to treat Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in dengue virus (DENV)-endemic areas are urgently needed. Here we show that a DENV-specific antibody against the E-dimer epitope (EDE) potently cross-neutralizes ZIKV and provides robust therapeutic efficacy as well as prophylactic efficacy against ZIKV in rhesus monkeys. Viral escape was not detected, suggesting a relatively high bar to escape. These data demonstrate the potential for antibody-based therapy and prevention of ZIKV. A single monoclonal antibody is therapeutic and has prophylactic activity against Zika virus in monkeys.
Author(s): Peter Abbink [sup.1] , Rafael A. Larocca [sup.1] , Wanwisa Dejnirattisai [sup.2] , Rebecca Peterson [sup.1] , Joseph P. Nkolola [sup.1] , Erica N. Borducchi [sup.1] , Piyada Supasa [...]