Identification and isolation of monoclonal antibodies with neutralizing capacity

• Grant number: 24/07374-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Immunogenetics
• Principal Investigator: Esper Georges Kallás
• Grantee: Leonardo Fontoura Ormundo
• 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

In humans, influenza is caused by influenza viruses (IVs), predominantly types A (IAV) and B (IBV), and constitutes a global public health problem, responsible for 3 to 5 million cases and 290 to 650 thousand deaths annually worldwide. IAVs have been responsible for various pandemics throughout history, such as the Spanish flu pandemic, Asian flu, swine flu, among others. Currently, existing strategies to combat IVs include prophylactic vaccination and the use of broad-spectrum antivirals for therapeutic purposes. Despite being effective and essential, influenza vaccines have limited efficacy in high-risk groups and need to be annually updated with circulating strains to ensure a good response against seasonal IV infections. Additionally, IVs can become resistant to antivirals. These points indicate the need for combined therapies, especially for high-risk groups. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are derived from a single clone of B cell and exhibit high specificity to a single target. When mAbs exhibit neutralizing capacity, they are called NmAbs. NmAbs are promising therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents for infectious diseases caused by highly variable viruses, such as IVs. Despite efforts, there are currently no specific drugs approved for influenza, including NmAbs. Therefore, the aim of this project is to characterize mAbs with neutralizing potential derived from the isolation of memory B cells from individuals who received trivalent (TIVV-IB or TIVY-IB) or quadrivalent (QIV-IB) influenza vaccines. Thus, contributing to the possible development of a new biopharmaceutical as well as to the rational development of new influenza vaccines. (AU)