Monoclonal antibodies characterization by sequencing techniques and molecular analysis

• Grant number: 23/11019-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Immunogenetics
• Principal Investigator: Esper Georges Kallás
• Grantee: Thaís Rezende
• 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

The influenza virus remains a threat to public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that annual epidemics result in about 3 to 5 million severe cases and up to 650,000 deaths worldwide. Two main strategies are used against the virus, such as vaccines and antiviral drugs. Influenza vaccine requires annual reformulation to keep up with the expectation of the virus. Specific antivirals are not recommended for patients in serious condition and the increase in resistance limits the effectiveness of the therapy, causing the need for new approaches in the event of future pandemics. In a viral infection, the venom neutralizers (Ab) prevent the virus from entering. In this context, passive immunization with monoclonal Ab (mAb) has been used in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, especially in individuals who have contraindications to vaccination. Despite efforts, there is still no monoclonal for influenza approved for clinical use, thus, the search for a therapy based on monoclonals is still necessary. In view of the above, the objective of this work is to characterize the immune response, evaluating the kinetics of subpopulations of B cells, as well as the characterization of the mAb sequences derived from these cells of individuals who received the quadrivalent vaccine (QIV-IB) for influenza under development by the Butantan Institute. We hope, in this way, to contribute to the development of a future candidate.