Neutralising antibodies can prevent severe courses

Infections with the hepatitis E virus often go unnoticed because they cause no symptoms. However, in patients with weakened immune system or existing liver damage and also in pregnant women, the virus can cause severe liver inflammation, which can be fatal. Despite existing therapeutic approaches, there are currently no authorised specific treatment options. Researchers at TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research in Hannover, and the University of Lübeck have now identified neutralising antibodies that could be used therapeutically to prevent severe courses.