Development of Anti-Influenza Materials Using Ostrich Antibodies

Abstract

Birds have an immune system to protect chicks by concentrating blood-contained antibodies into yolks, making it possible to produce good-quality antibodies. As an ostrich egg is 25 to 30 times heavier than a hen egg, massive antibody refinement is possible. We have developed a technique to produce a large amount of antibodies for infectious diseases and cancer from ostrich yolks. Compared with the use of a rabbit, an amount of antibodies 800 times greater can be produced. Initially, we produced antibodies against various strains of influenza viruses including H5N1 and A/H1N1. They have been incorporated into face masks and air-conditioners on the market. Massive demand from medical institutions and local governments is expected as part of their preparations to deal with a potential pandemic of a mutated strain of flu. We will also try to develop antibodies against other infectious diseases and cancer, produce examination kits and apply antibodies to curative drugs. With an antibody from one ostrich egg, 80,000 face masks and reagents for more than 20,000 people can be produced. © 2009, High Performance Paper Society, Japan. All rights reserved.