How antibodies fight hepatitis E virus
Role of antibodies in hepatitis E virus infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP · NIH-11317219
This project looks at whether antibodies can stop or clear long-lasting hepatitis E infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11317219 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at the two forms of hepatitis E — the naked virus shed in stool and the quasi-enveloped virus that travels in blood — and how antibodies in a person's blood deal with each. In lab-grown cells, researchers will test human antibodies (especially IgG) to see if they can block the virus after it enters cells by preventing uncoating in endosomes and lysosomes. They will compare antibodies from people who recovered or were vaccinated with the low levels found in people with chronic HEV to understand why some infections persist. The findings may point toward antibody treatments or vaccine approaches to help people who can't clear HEV on their own.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic hepatitis E infection, especially those with weakened immune systems or low anti-HEV antibody levels, would be the main candidates for related trials or therapies.
Not a fit: People who had a brief, self-limited HEV infection and are fully recovered, or those without HEV exposure, are unlikely to directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to antibody-based treatments or improved vaccines that prevent or cure chronic hepatitis E, particularly for immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have performed: Vaccines using HEV capsid proteins have been protective and lab studies show IgG can block the circulating quasi-enveloped form, but antibody therapies for chronic HEV have not been widely tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES
- RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP — COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FENG, ZONGDI — RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP
- Study coordinator: FENG, ZONGDI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.