Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis and contributes to neurodegenerative disorders and malignancies,particularly in immune-compromised hosts. Transplant patients face high risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease,a life-threatening EBV-driven lymphoma. There are no EBV-specific vaccines or treatments; however,neutralizing antibodies against EBV glycoproteins may offer utility as therapeutic agents. EBV entry into B cells involves gp350,which binds complement receptors,and gp42,which engages HLA class II to trigger fusion. Most existing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against these antigens are non-human,limiting clinical use. Using a transgenic mouse model,we generate two gp350 and eight gp42 genetically human neutralizing mAbs that block receptor binding. Structural analyses reveal extended sites of vulnerability relevant to vaccine development. Delivery of a gp42 mAb protects humanized mice from EBV challenge,while a gp350 mAb provides partial protection. These mAbs highlight the utility of transgenic mice to produce therapeutic mAbs for preventing EBV-driven disease. Graphical abstract Highlights•Transgenic mice were used to make genetically human EBV mAbs against gp350 and gp42•mAbs potently neutralize EBV infection by blocking receptor-ligand interactions•mAbs prevent EBV infection following EBV challenge in humanized mice Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause serious illness,including cancer,especially in immunocompromised patients. There are no EBV-specific treatments. Chhan et al. leverage a transgenic mouse model to develop human monoclonal antibodies that block EBV entry. These antibodies prevent EBV infection in a murine challenge model offering hope for new therapies.
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