Human cytomegalovirus is common and often causes no symptoms in healthy people. It spreads through body fluids and can stay hidden in the body for life. There is no vaccine, and current antiviral drugs can cause toxic side effects and resistance.
A team at the University of Texas at Austin designed changed antibodies that the virus cannot block. They worked with the IgG1 antibody type and altered parts the virus normally binds. In lab experiments the antibodies stopped virus spread between cells and reduced viral spread. Researchers plan more tests and trials before clinical use.
Difficult words
- cytomegalovirus — a common virus that infects humans
- symptom — a sign that someone is illsymptoms
- vaccine — a shot or treatment to prevent infection
- antibody — a protein the body makes to fight infectionantibodies
- antiviral — a medicine that stops or slows viruses
- resistance — ability of a germ to survive a medicine
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What concerns you about a virus that can stay hidden in the body?
- Would you try a new antibody treatment if tests show it is safe? Why or why not?
- How important is a vaccine compared with new treatments? Explain briefly.
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