Successfully prepared antibodies against MERS virus from ostrich eggs

In the context of Middle Eastern respiratory tract syndrome (MERS) caused by coronavirus is raging in Korea, a group of scientists led by Professor Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, the leading expert in animal epidemiology of the Institute Kyoto University High School has successfully researched and prepared large quantities of antibodies that have a strong inhibitory effect on this dangerous virus from ostrich eggs.

Antibodies against MERS virus from ostrich eggs

The drug was also tested at the Center for the Contagious Medical Research of the US Army, the agency that participated in the study with Professor Tsukamoto.

People in Seoul wear MERS masks.(Source: THX / VNA)

Spray medications have begun to be shipped in large quantities to South Korea and the United States.

Under the action of this antibody, coronavirus cannot penetrate human cells and are very effective in preventing this virus infection.

This time, Professor Tsukamoto created a type of coronavirus surface protein, made from silkworm's cells, and introduced this protein into the ostrich body as an antigen.

Scientists will refine antibodies from ostrich eggs with anti-virus antibodies to create drugs.

Coronaviruses enter human cells through specific proteins. Professor Tsukamoto explains: ' This antibody will form a layer of mask outside the cell that prevents the virus from entering the cell. I hope with that ability, antibodies are able to prevent MERS infection. "

Professor Tsukamoto evaluates ostrich's immune system, which is able to heal itself very quickly.

Currently, Tsukamoto's group has developed a technology to produce antibodies in large quantities from ostrich eggs since 2008 thanks to the ability to produce high antibodies in this species.

' Antibody masks' attracted special attention when they were sold widely during the 2008 flu epidemic and ostrich antibodies against the Ebola virus were also produced in 2014.

Bioventure Company (USA) and its research center are also promoting the campaign to deal with MERS and Kyoto University.

Currently, the center is examining side effects and antibody efficacy after refining.

In addition to Korea , antibody batches have been shipped to the United States. Because the drug is not certified to be taken directly into the body, the drug is temporarily used only at the level of antibacterial mist sprayer used to spray on masks, hands and door handles for prevention.

The drug is expected to be distributed to health workers and airports in South Korea and Japan.