Antibody‐mediated control mechanisms of viral infections

• Published in: Immunological reviews 2024-11, Vol.328 (1), p.205-220
• Main Authors: Mackin, Samantha R., Sariol, Alan, Diamond, Michael S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Antibodies; Antibodies, Neutralizing - immunology; Antibodies, Viral - immunology; antibody; Effector cells; effector function; Fab; Fc receptors; Humans; Immune response; Immune system; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments - immunology; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments - metabolism; infection; Internalization; Neutralization; Receptors, IgG - immunology; Receptors, IgG - metabolism; Vaccination; virus; Virus Diseases - immunology; Viruses
• ISSN: 0105-2896; 1600-065X; 1600-065X
• DOI: 10.1111/imr.13383

Summary Antibodies generated after vaccination or natural pathogen exposure are essential mediators of protection against many infections. Most studies with viruses have focused on antibody neutralization, in which protection is conferred by the fragment antigen binding region (Fab) through targeting of different steps in the viral lifecycle including attachment, internalization, fusion, and egress. Beyond neutralization, the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of antibodies can integrate innate and adaptive immune responses by engaging complement components and distinct Fc gamma receptors (FcγR) on different host immune cells. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of antibody neutralization and Fc effector functions, and the assays used to measure them. Additionally, we describe the contexts in which these mechanisms are associated with protection against viruses and highlight how Fc‐FcγR interactions can improve the potency of antibody‐based therapies.