Last week, LWNVIVAT hosted a new seminar in the ongoing series on “Emerging Pathogens with a Special Focus on Flaviviruses,” featuring Dr. Mireia Pelegrin, Research Director Research Director CNRS and Group Leader of Antibodies and Immunomodulation. She shared exciting new findings on how antibodies do more than just block viruses; they can help reprogram the immune system to respond more effectively.

Her talk, titled “Antibody-Mediated Immunomodulation: A Better Understanding for Better Antiviral Immunotherapies,” highlighted over ten years of research showing that antibody treatments can lead to a “vaccinal effect.” This means that even short-term treatment with antibodies can help the body build long-lasting immune protection.

“Neutralizing antibodies aren’t just virus blockers,” Dr. Pelegrin explained. “They can help the body build its own defenses by coordinating the actions of different immune cells.”

She described how immune cells like neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells work together under the guidance of antibody therapy. She also presented new data showing that a group of immune proteins called Type I interferons play a role in boosting this process by increasing the activity of specific receptors on monocytes.

These discoveries could significantly change how we design antiviral treatments and vaccines. By creating antibodies with improved properties or combining them with immune boosters, scientists may be able to both fight infections and teach the immune system how to protect itself over the long term.

Dr. Pelegrin’s research also connects with recent studies in HIV patients, where broad-acting antibodies have been shown to improve immune responses.

“Understanding how these processes work is crucial for making better immunotherapies and vaccine strategies,” she concluded.