A human bispecific neutralization antibody against four serotypes of dengue virus

Abstract In tropical and subtropical countries, dengue virus (DENV) infections have been increasing; however, we still lack effective therapy. In the present study, we aimed to engineer a bispecific antibody (subsequently named LUZ-8F2–6B1), based on monoclonal antibody 6B1, which has anti DENV-1, 2, and 3 activity, and 8F2, which has anti DENV-4 activity. LUZ-8F2–6B1 displayed potent neutralization activity against four serotypes of DENV by binding to the envelop protein. In vivo, we demonstrated that LUZ-8F2–6B1 could provide protection against infection by four serotypes of DENV in a mouse model. In addition, the deletion of nine amino acids in the Fc region (LUZ-8F2–6B1-9del) completely abolished the antibody-dependent enhancement observed at lower doses of the antibody. Thus, LUZ-8F2–6B1 is a promising, safe, and effective agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of DENV infection.