NIH

New insights into norovirus neutralization

March 26, 2025

Researchers recently discovered that the human immune system can produce antibodies capable of neutralizing diverse norovirus strains and types. This finding represents a significant step toward developing effective vaccines and therapeutic antibodies against noroviruses. Noroviruses, which are highly contagious and spread through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, are the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the U.S., causing about 20 million cases annually. While most people recover within days, severe illness can occur in vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

The study, led by Drs. George Georgiou, Juyeon Park, and Ralph Baric, involved two healthy young adults who received an oral vaccine candidate for norovirus. These participants exhibited a broad immune response, producing antibodies that could neutralize multiple norovirus strains. One person made antibodies that could neutralize norovirus types responsible for 75% of outbreaks around the world. Structural analysis revealed that these broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) bind to a conserved region of the virus's capsid, providing insights for designing vaccines with broad, long-lasting protection. The findings were reported in Science Translational Medicine on March 5, 2025.

Source:

Morgan, KK. (2025, March 25). NIH. Neutralizing Noroviruses. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/neutralizing-noroviruses