Monoclonal antibodies raised against the Junín virus glycoprotein show broad reactivity and provide protection in vivo.

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the Junín virus glycoprotein show broad reactivity and protect mice and guinea pigs, with five antibodies significantly reducing viral loads in vivo.

• Why it matters: Junín virus causes Argentine hemorrhagic fever with high mortality and limited treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for effective therapeutics and vaccines to control outbreaks.
• What they did: Using hybridoma technology, 30 mouse monoclonal antibodies were generated against JUNV GPC, with 26 cross-binding to other arenaviruses and nine showing potent in vitro neutralization; five demonstrated in vivo efficacy in mouse and guinea pig models.
• The result: These humanized antibodies offer promising therapeutic candidates for JUNV, with escape mutations pinpointing key receptor contact sites, paving the way for improved vaccine and antibody-based interventions.