Neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies

• Grant number: 16/08782-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: June 01, 2016
• End date: March 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Ana Maria Moro
• Grantee: Daniela Yumi Takata
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/15611-0 - Recombinant monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic use, AP.TEM

Abstract

Tetanus is a neuromuscular disease caused by the action of an exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani, a Gram positive and anaerobic bacterium that forms resistant spores, Gram positive and spore forming bacillus. Notwithstanding a safe and cheap vaccine is available, the incidence and mortality rate caused by tetanus is high, as the bacillus is spread on soil and animal feces. In case of infection risks, the passive immunization with polyclonal equine (or human) serum is the standard of care. The human sera is used in cases of hypersensitivity to heterologous sera with efficiency but can contain emergent viruses, besides the lack of consistency among batches. Implementing a modern scientific approach, our group obtained anti-tetanus human monoclonal antibodies able to recognize both the tetanus toxin and toxoid. In vivo testing demonstrated that three combined antibodies could neutralize the toxin. The current project aims to continue the research on analyzing individually the produced antibodies and expressing a panel of new sequences of antibodies from B lymphocytes isolated in the cell sorting strategies. The known and new antibodies will be evaluated by physicochemical and biological testing, kinetic analysis and neutralizing capacity. We expect to select the best candidates for stable cell line generation. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

TAKATA, Daniela Yumi. Expressão, caracterização e avaliação funcional de anticorpos humanos antitetânicos. 2021. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI) São Paulo.