Development of Antibody Research Could Help Prevent Sepsis Induced by COVID-19

Scientists at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research (Manhasset, NY, USA) have discovered the development of novel antibody strategy to effectively prevent the association between a harmless protein and a disease mediator that could lead to sepsis death.

Back in 1999, Feinstein researchers had discovered an important mediator of lethal sepsis termed as the “high mobility group box 1” (HMGB1) protein. Investigators then began to study another protein called “tetranectin” (TN) that turns HMGB1 into a killer of the body’s immune cells. This transformation induces cell death (pyroptosis) and immunosuppression, impairing the body’s ability to eradicate microbial infections and leads to death.

Feinstein researchers have now uncovered and confirmed the TN protein’s role in capturing HMGB1 and exacerbating immune cell death. With that discovery, they have developed a panel of TN-specific monoclonal antibodies that prevent this harmful TN/HMGB1 interaction, reversing sepsis-induced immunosuppression and fatality. The research is particularly timely, as the development of these novel antibodies could be used to prevent sepsis induced by COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, and other lethal pathogens.

“We were able to identify and observe this unique interaction between two proteins that ultimately lead to the body’s innate immune cell depletion and lethal consequences. By developing protective antibodies, we hope to commercialize and further assess their therapeutic potential in fighting sepsis,” said Haichao Wang, PhD, professor in the Institute of Molecular Medicine at Feinstein, who led the study.

“Sepsis is the leading cause of death in hospitals and Dr. Wang’s research is a huge step in stopping this escalating and urgent crisis,” said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes. "His work is a new path for developing possible cures for this complex condition.”

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Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research