Targeting host cells harbouring viruses with radiolabeled antibodies

Existing antiviral therapies produce a therapeutic effect by suppressing viral replication and reducing viral burden and the associated inflammatory reaction. However, infection with many viruses results in chronic infections that cannot be eradicated by the immune response or available antiviral drugs. As viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens, it should be possible to eradicate chronic infections by targeting and eliminating the infected host cells. Radioisotope-conjugated antibodies that specifically bind viral antigens can deliver cytotoxic radiation to virally infected cells. This approach was recently shown to target and eliminate HIV-1-infected cells in vitro and in mouse models, and provides a new approach for eliminating virally infected cells.