title: The use of humanized monoclonal antibodies for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection.
abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are widely used both in infants and in adults for several indications. Humanized monoclonal antibodies (palivizumab) have been used for many years for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection in pediatric populations (preterm infants, infants with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease) at high risk of severe and potentially lethal course of the infection. This drug was reported to be safe, well tolerated and effective to decrease the hospitalization rate and mortality in these groups of infants by several clinical trials. In the present paper we report the development and the current use of monoclonal antibodies for prophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus.
authors.affiliation: Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Imola Hospital, Via Montericco 4, 40026 Imola, Italy.
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lanari
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vandini
authors.forename: Santo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arcuri
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Galletti
authors.forename: Giacomo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Faldella
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality / Q000821:virology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D000069455:Palivizumab; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D016019:Survival Analysis
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000069455:Palivizumab