Efficacy of an experimental drug based on technologically processed antibodies in models of influenza infection and secondary bacterial pneumonia: Results of a preclinical study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral activity of ultra-highly diluted antibodies to various targets (MHC I, MHС II, INFg, and CD4 receptor) involved in the immune response.Methods. The antiviral activity of ultra-highly diluted antibodies to the MHC I molecule was evaluated in a standard model of the lethal A/California/04/2009 (H1N1)pdm09 influenza infection, and the protective effect of a complex drug containing highly diluted antibodies to MHC I and MHC II molecules, INFg, and CD4 receptor was accessed in a model of secondary bacterial pneumonia (A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus challenge followed by Staphylococcus aureus inoculation).Results. The treatment with ultra-highly diluted antibodies to MHC I increased the survival rate of mice by 46.7% and 52.4% vs. the negative control and placebo groups (p < 0.05), respectively. The survival rate was increased in the Oseltamivir group by 60% and 85.7% vs. the same control groups (p < 0.05). In the model of secondary bacterial pneumonia following influenza, the complex drug increased the survival rate of mice by 30% and 40% (p < 0.05) vs. the control groups. The combined application of Oseltamivir and Cefuroxime increased the survival rate by 50% and 60%, respectively. There was no statistically significant decrease in the viral or bacterial load in any of the groups.Conclusion. The study showed for the first time that highly diluted antibodies to the MHC I molecule as well as the complex drug containing highly diluted antibodies to MHC I, MHС II, INFg, and CD4 receptor were effective in animal models of influenza infection and secondary bacterial pneumonia. Further investigation of protective effects of these samples in viral and bacterial infections is promising.