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06.07.2026 21:00
Polyomaviren: neue Ansatzpunkte für Schutz und Therapie
Forschungs team under the guidance of the University of Tübingen investigates molecular mechanisms of an infection that is usually fatal in individuals with severely weakened immune systems.
Polyomaviruses, specifically the JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), pose a severe risk to individuals with compromised immune systems. This virus can lead to a lethal brain disease known as Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), making it critically important to explore potential protective and therapeutic strategies. Recently, an international research team, led by Professor Thilo Stehle from the Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry at the University of Tübingen, has identified binding sites for neutralizing antibodies on the viral envelope—opening new avenues for combating JCPyV infections.
The Implications of JC Polyomavirus
JCPyV is a common virus that becomes dangerous primarily when the body’s immune defenses are weakened. This can occur in situations involving advanced HIV infection, organ transplants, or the use of immunosuppressive drugs for cancer treatments. Once the virus breaches the bloodstream and enters the central nervous system (CNS), it can cause PML, a condition characterized by the destruction of brain tissue and typically results in death.
Understanding Neutralizing Antibodies
The study leveraged the rare instances where certain patients have survived PML. These individuals produced specific neutralizing antibodies that effectively blocked JCPyV from penetrating body cells. According to Professor Stehle, “These antibodies bind to the viral envelope, effectively sealing the entrance and preventing the virus from infecting new cells.”
The researchers at the University Hospital Zurich isolated these antibodies and examined their binding characteristics at Brown University. The most promising antibodies were then analyzed for their structural properties with atomic-resolution techniques at the University of Tübingen, revealing crucial interactions between the virus and the human immune system.
The Challenges of Viral Evasion
However, the battle is complex, as JCPyV has evolved mechanisms to escape the immune response. Mutations occurring in the binding sites targeted by antibodies can render these immune defenses ineffective. “We meticulously examined these mutations to understand their impact,” adds Professor Stehle. This intricate knowledge can now facilitate the development of powerful therapeutic antibodies and vaccines.
Potential for Cross-Protection
Moreover, insights from this research pave the way for potential cross-protection against the BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), a closely-related virus that also causes severe illnesses in immunocompromised individuals. A vaccine targeting both JCPyV and BKPyV could significantly safeguard vulnerable patients from these perilous infections.
The therapeutic strategies being explored include small molecules designed to interact with antibody binding sites, which may prove effective against both polyomaviruses. As the research progresses, the groundwork is being laid for more effective prevention and treatment strategies, potentially changing the outlook for patients at risk.
Scientific Contact:
Prof. Dr. Thilo Stehle
University of Tübingen
Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry
Phone +49 7071 29-78090
[email protected]
Original Publication:
Christina Harprecht, Luisa J. Ströh, Bethany A. O’Hara, Jasmin Freytag, Felix Nagel, Sheila A. Haley, York-Dieter Stierhof, Walter J. Atwood, and Thilo Stehle: Structural characterization of human neutralizing antibodies against JC. and BK polyomaviruses. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).
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