Hepatitis C antibodies for the development of vaccines
JHU Ref #: C17709
Value Proposition:
· Comprehensive panel of monoclonal and broadly-neutralizing antibodies against HCV
· Potential treatment for HCV infection
· Key bNAb-E2 interactions identified
· Candidates for discovery of HCV vaccine antigens
Unmet Need
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a bloodborne pathogen that is a major cause of cirrhosis, liver cancer, or mortality. Direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) drugs are a highly effective treatment for controlling and curing HCV infection. However, the treatment of HCV does not eliminate the adverse consequences of advanced liver disease. Though effective treatments for controlling and curing HCV infection are available, elimination of HCV is not possible without the development of a vaccine. Therefore, there is a strong need for identifying candidates for vaccines to eliminate HCV infection. Broadly-neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are associated with natural clearance of human HCV and monoclonal antibodies can be used as a guide for developing an HCV vaccine. As such, there is a more specific need for discovery of bNAbs to guide vaccine development.
Technology Description
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have isolated E2-reactive B cells collected from an “Elite Neutralizer” who has previously demonstrated antibody-mediated clearance of infection. Sequencing of the B-cell receptor was performed from initial infection followed through to viral clearance. E2-reactive monoclonal antibodies were isolated and then identified as broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. mAbs were characterized for their potency, neutralization breadth, epitope targets, and longitudinal evolution.
Stage of Development
Monoclonal antibodies have been isolated and characterized.
Looking for partners to license antibodies for use in vaccine antigen discovery.
Data Availability
Data available upon request.
Publication
N/A
