anti-influenza immunoglobulin Y

Anti-influenza immunoglobulin Y (IgY) is a polyclonal antibody derived from the egg yolks of chickens immunized against specific influenza virus strains. Developed by IgY Research, this therapeutic approach utilizes the avian immune system to produce high titers of neutralizing antibodies that can be harvested non-invasively. The mechanism of action involves the IgY antibodies binding to viral surface proteins, primarily hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). By binding to hemagglutinin, the antibodies block the virus's ability to attach to sialic acid receptors on human respiratory epithelial cells, thereby neutralizing the virus and preventing infection. This passive immunization strategy is intended for the prevention and treatment of influenza and other respiratory infections, offering a potential alternative or supplement to traditional vaccines and antiviral drugs, particularly as IgY does not activate the human complement system, reducing the risk of inflammatory side effects.

Other names

anti-influenza IgYinfluenza IgY antibodychicken egg yolk-derived anti-influenza polyclonal antibody