Generation and Applications of Human Monoclonal Antibodies to Herpes Viruses

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are two herpes viruses associated with severe infections in immunosuppressed or immunodeficient patients. For example, bone marrow transplant recipients are especially susceptible to CMV infections and juvenile leukemia patients are vulnerable to VZV infections (Gershon, 1980; Meyers et al, 1986). Three approaches are used to control these infections: antiviral drugs, active immunization with attenuated viruses, and passive immunization with hyperimmune immunoglobulin preparations. Two nucleoside analogs, 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl) guanine (DHPG) and acyclovir (ACV), have recently been studied for treatment of CMV infections. Although DHPG (Koretz, et al, 1986) and, in some cases, ACV (Balfour, et al, 1982), have some efficacy in treating CMV-infected patients, their use is limited by toxic effects and neither is effective against CMV pneumonia (Wade, et al, 1982; Myers, 1985). Antiviral drug therapy against severe VZV infections, however, is more promising. Both ACV and vidarabine, for example, are effective in reducing the severity of VZV infections in immunosuppressed patients (Vilde, et al, 1986).