Lethal mucormycosis, a serious fungal illness that disproportionately affects trauma patients and those with weaker immune systems, is now closer to being treated with antibody-based therapy. The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbour-UCLA Medical Centre published a peer-reviewed article on monoclonal antibody advancements. This innovative strategy may change the fight against COVID-19, which has high death rates, especially in high-dose corticosteroid patients. 

A quick progression and high mortality rate make mucormycosis, caused by Mucorales fungi, a clinical problem. Antifungal immunotherapies for mucormycosis are rare, unlike those for viruses and bacteria. About 4,000 instances are reported annually in the US. The disease is endemic in India and Southeast Asia, where almost 200,000 cases occur, making it even more destructive. 

For decades, The Lundquist Institute researchers Ashraf Ibrahim, PhD, and Yiyou Gu, PhD, have sought to close this treatment gap. The Science Translational Medicine article, “A humanised antibody against mucormycosis targets angioinvasion and augments the host immune response”, investigates a potential immunotherapeutic approach. The antibody VX-01 targets CotH, a fungal cell surface protein that helps the fungus invade human tissues. By attaching to CotH, VX-01 improves the delivery of standard antifungal drugs and stops fungal cells from hurting tissues and blood vessels. 

“Mucormycosis is a devastating disease that usually occurs in patients with a weakened immune system, such as those with poorly controlled diabetes, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and transplant patients,” Ibrahim said, noting the steady rise in cases over the past four decades. The global rise in chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, along with advancements in transplant medicine, have contributed to this rise, making patients more susceptible to infections. 

Ibrahim also noted VX-01's dual role: our humanised monoclonal antibody inhibits fungal cells from harming human cells and blood vessels, allowing antifungal medication therapy to reach affected regions. This discovery is noteworthy because the antibody directly targets the fungus and preserves the vascular system, improving antifungal therapies. 

Early testing shows VX-01 is safe for healthy cells. VX-01's safety and improved binding efficacy make it a promising clinical contender. Antibody-based therapeutics may fill a gap in mucormycosis treatment, according to the study. 

This gives promise to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where mucormycosis is especially prevalent due to high diabetes rates and insufficient healthcare resources. A tailored immunotherapy like VX-01 could greatly improve results and lessen the economic pressure on endemic disease-stricken healthcare systems.