Monoclonal antibody discovery using separation of plasmablasts in acute phase of disease or by isolation of memory B cells using molecular probes

• Grant number: 23/06936-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Immunogenetics
• Principal Investigator: Esper Georges Kallás
• Grantee: Victória Alves Santos Lunardelli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/07040-1 - Center of Research and Development in Immunobiologicals, AP.NPOP

Abstract

Influenza virus can cause mild to severe respiratory infections in humans, still being a serious public health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonally circulating influenza viruses cause approximately 3 to 5 million severe cases and 290 to 650,000 deaths per year. Vaccines and antiviral drugs are the main strategies used against the virus. The influenza vaccine requires annual reformulation to keep up with virus mutations, and immunization campaigns must be rapid to ensure vaccine coverage. Specific antivirals are not recommended for treatment of severe cases and the increase in resistance mechanisms limits the effectiveness of the therapy. In this context, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have therapeutic and prophylactic potential for viral infections. Despite efforts, there is still no mAb for influenza approved for clinical use. Thus, the search for a mAb-based therapy may prove to be cost-effective. Taking into consideration, the aim of this project is to carry out the characterization of the immune response, evaluating the kinetics of subpopulations of B cells in the peripheral blood, as well as the characterization and production of mAbs derived from those cells of individuals who received the quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV-IB) under development by Instituto Butantan. In this context, we hope to contribute to the development of a new therapeutic candidate and thus help in the formulation of new vaccines and antiviral agents.