The protective potential of Fc‐mediated antibody functions against influenza virus and other viral pathogens

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in utilizing antibody fragment crystallizable (Fc) functions to prevent and control viral infections. The protective and therapeutic potential of Fc‐mediated antibody functions have been assessed for some clinically important human viruses, including HIV, hemorrhagic fever viruses and influenza virus. There is mounting evidence that influenza‐specific antibodies with Fc‐mediated functions, such as antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody‐dependent phagocytosis, can aid in the clearance of influenza virus infection. Recent influenza challenge studies and intravenous immunoglobulin G therapy studies in humans suggest a protective role for Fc effector functions in vivo. Broadly reactive influenza antibodies with Fc‐mediated functions are prevalent in the human population and could inform the development of a universally protective influenza vaccine or therapy. In this review, we explore the utility of antibodies with Fc‐mediated effector functions against viral infections with a focus on influenza virus.

COVID‐19: searching for clues among other respiratory viruses

“…Reviews by Vanderven and Kent and Chenoweth et al . (⑨ in Figure 1) discuss the protective and therapeutic potential of Fc‐mediated antibody functions and Fc receptors in antiviral immunity 13,14 . In addition, Almudevar (⑩ in Figure 1) proposes a model for the regulation of follicular dendritic cells, which are responsible for the long‐term persistence of antibodies, with particular emphasis on antibody longevity following vaccination 15 …”

Sex, age, and hospitalization drive antibody responses in a COVID-19 convalescent plasma donor population

“…Administration of CCP containing these nAbs to individuals with COVID-19 has been shown to result in rapid viral clearance, indicating its functionality as an antiviral agent (6). Non-nAbs also play a key role in viral clearance, as they are needed for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent, cell-mediated phagocytosis, and complement activation (16). The contribution of other antibody types such as IgM and IgA to resolution and potential protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection is not clear.…”

Prepare for the Future: Dissecting the Spike to Seek Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies and Universal Vaccine for Pandemic Coronaviruses

“…However, the stalk is less immunogenic than the head and bnAbs directed to the stalk are generally less potent than the head-specific antibodies. In addition to direct neutralization, HA stem-specific bnAbs usually require FcγR-mediated effector cell function (Vanderven and Kent, 2020). The development of a vaccine that promotes the generation of anti-stem antibodies is inherently difficult, yet two such vaccines are currently in development: one based on chimeric HA and one on headless HA (Krammer, 2016).…”