Passive Transfer of Animal-Derived Polyclonal Hyperimmune Antibodies Provides Protection of Mice from Lethal Lassa Virus Infection

Background: Lassa virus (LASV) can cause severe acute systemic infection in humans. No approved antiviral drugs or vaccines are currently available. Antibody-based therapeutics considered a promising treatment strategy the management of LASV disease. Methods: We used chimeric Ifnar−/− C57BL/6 (Ifnar−/− Bl6) mice, lethal mouse model, to evaluate protective efficacy polyclonal antibodies purified from sera rabbits hyperimmunized with virus-like particles displaying native-like glycoprotein GP spikes. Results: Polyclonal anti-LASV provided 100% protection against pre- and post-exposure setting prevented Treatment also significantly lowered viremia level load organs. When was initiated at onset symptoms, hyperimmune partial increased survival rate by 80%. Conclusions: Our findings support consideration animal-derived targeting as an effective option for highly pathogenic LASV.