Belgian researchers have developed a treatment against a respiratory infection prevalent in children
Belgian and American researchers have developed an experimental treatment against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus, which affects the lungs and the respiratory tract, is very dangerous for our children. Indeed, every year, millions of children under the age of five are affected by the RSV.
To fight respiratory syncytial virus, the researchers used “Nanobodies”, antibodies neutralizing the virus. This new study shows how nanobodies succeed in protecting mice from the infection. Thus, the researchers have managed to develop antivirals specific to the RSV attacks.
This discovery results from a collaboration of the Belgian institute VIB, the University of Ghent and the American Geisel School of Medicine in Dartmouth. The outcomes of their research were published in the scientific journal "Nature Communications". Professor Xavier Saelens (VIB-Ghent University) is delighted with the discovery, and notes with his team that the nanobodies are extremely effective in the fight against RSV.
Our Belgian researchers are now looking for an industrial partner eager to transform their findings into a specific treatment for patients affected by the virus.