Therapeutic monoclonal antibody treatment targeting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G protein mediates viral clearance and reduces the pathogenesis of RSV infection in BALB/c mice.

Because the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has a CX3C chemokine motif that has been associated with the ability of RSV G protein to modulate the virus-induced host immune response, we examined whether therapeutic treatment with an anti-RSV G monoclonal antibody (mAb), 131-2G, that blocks the CX3C-associated activity of RSV G protein might decrease the pulmonary inflammation associated with infection in BALB/c mice. The results show that treatment with mAb 131-2G on day 3 after RSV infection reduces both inflammation and RSV titer in the lungs. Later administration of anti-RSV G mAb (day 5 after RSV infection) effectively reduced the viral titer but had a minimal effect on pulmonary inflammation. This study suggests that an anti-RSV G mAb might be an effective antiviral, either alone or in combination with anti-RSV F protein neutralizing antibodies, for decreasing the virus-induced host response to infection and improve treatment outcome.