High-throughput generation of antigen binding fragments (Fabs) based on automated phage-display technology for diagnosis and treatment of Zika virus infection

• Grant number: 16/50496-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2017
• End date: July 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Agreement: University of Virginia
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira
• Grantee: Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira
• Principal researcher abroad: Daniel Engel
• Institution abroad: University of Virginia (UVa), United States
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/17595-0 - New vaccine research based on recombinant proteins of dengue virus, AP.R

Abstract

The goal of the proposed exchange is to facilitate the implementation and broadening of a planned scientific project, which is a collaboration between Dr. Luis Ferreira, who will head the São Paulo team, and Dr. Dan Engel, who will lead the Virginia team. A second major goal will be to initiate and broaden scientific exchange and collaboration between the University of Virginia and Universidad de São Paulo, with a particular focus on the areas of microbiology and infectious disease. The overall scientific goal of the project is to develop and characterize new therapeutic agents and molecular reagents for the study of and treatment of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections in humans. The Virginia team (in collaboration with a team at the University of Chicago) will be responsible for identifying novel antibodies (synthetic fragment antigen binding, Fab) that can be used as molecular tools, diagnostic reagents and therapeutics for ZIKV infection. To facilitate project implementation, a series of scientific exchange activities is proposed. Both institutions boast a wide range of cutting-edge research interests in microbiology and infectious disease, and it is anticipated that several productive exchanges and collaborations will develop from the opening of doors between these two institutions. (AU)