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New Antibodies Show Promise in Blocking Epstein-Barr Virus
Researchers create human-like antibodies that prevent EBV infection in mice, offering hope for transplant patients at high risk.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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Researchers at Fred Hutch Cancer Center have developed genetic, human-type monoclonal antibodies that can prevent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in mice with human immune systems. EBV infects about 95% of the global population and is linked to various cancers and autoimmune diseases, but blocking the virus has proven difficult. The new antibodies, targeting key viral proteins, completely blocked EBV from infecting human B cells in lab tests. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies to protect high-risk transplant recipients and others vulnerable to EBV-related illnesses.
Why it matters
EBV is one of the world's most prevalent viruses, infecting an estimated 95% of people globally. While it often causes no symptoms in healthy individuals, EBV can lead to serious complications like infectious mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, and various cancers, especially in those with weakened immune systems. Developing an effective way to block EBV infection is a major unmet need, particularly for transplant patients who take immunosuppressant drugs that allow the virus to reactivate and cause life-threatening lymphomas.
The details
The research team used a genetically engineered mouse model containing human antibody genes to produce antibodies that closely mimic those a human would make. They created a total of 10 different antibodies, including two targeting the viral protein gp350 and eight targeting gp42 - both of which the virus uses to attach to and enter human B cells. In tests, these antibodies completely blocked EBV from infecting human B cells. The most promising was the antibody against gp42, which provided significant protection when infused into humanized mice exposed to EBV.
- The research findings were published in February 2026 in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
The players
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
A leading cancer research institution where the new EBV-blocking antibodies were developed.
Andrew McGuire, Ph.D.
A biochemist and cellular biologist in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at Fred Hutch who led the research team.
Crystal Chhan
A Ph.D. candidate from the University of Virginia's McGuire Laboratory who was involved in the antibody discovery research.
Rachel Bender Ignacio, MD, MPH
An Associate Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist at Fred Hutch and the University of Washington School of Medicine who commented on the potential clinical impact of the new antibodies.
What they’re saying
“We have been unsuccessful in finding any human antibodies that will prevent EBV from attaching to our immune cells. Unlike many other viruses, EBV has evolved a much broader ability to connect with virtually every single one of our B-cells.”
— Andrew McGuire, Biochemist and Cellular Biologist, Fred Hutch (Cell Reports Medicine)
“Through our research, we have identified many important antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus. We have also validated a new and innovative method for discovering protective antibodies against other viral pathogens.”
— Crystal Chhan, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Virginia (Cell Reports Medicine)
“The ability to prevent EBV viremia may substantially reduce the incidence of PTLD while lessening the need to lessen immunosuppressive therapy, ultimately supporting continued function of transplants and enhancing patient outcomes. Therefore, the development of a way to prevent EBV viremia is one of the most significant unmet needs in transplant medicine.”
— Rachel Bender Ignacio, Associate Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist, Fred Hutch and University of Washington (Cell Reports Medicine)
What’s next
Initial testing of the antibody candidates will likely include a safety study using healthy volunteers, followed by studies involving patients at high risk of developing EBV-associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).
The takeaway
This breakthrough in developing human-like antibodies that can block Epstein-Barr virus infection represents a major step forward in addressing a widespread virus that has long evaded effective treatment, especially for vulnerable populations like transplant recipients. If proven safe and effective in clinical trials, these antibodies could significantly improve outcomes for those at high risk of EBV-related complications.
