Thrasher Research Fund - Medical research grants to improve the lives of children

Project Details

Early Career

Status: Funded - Closed

Monoclonal antibody discovery against influenza B virus for pediatric administration

Rachael Wolters, DVM

Summary

BACKGROUND: Influenza virus A infection has been well studied in the adult and child population; however, influenza virus B virus has not been well characterized in pediatric cases. The study and characterization of influenza B virus specific mAbs can introduce new therapeutic mechanisms to decrease severe cases in children and increase odds of recovery and survival GAP: We note that influenza B infection studies and monoclonal antibody discovery for influenza B viruses is deeply neglected and identifying and validating promising preventative/therapeutic antibodies could be advanced toward clinical testing for pediatric cases of disease. HYPOTHESIS: Isolation and characterization of broadly neutralizing mAbs against influenza B virus antigens can be generated as therapeutic and prophylactic treatments in pediatric cases of disease. METHODS: Isolated plasmablasts and memory B cells from previously vaccinated individuals will be single-cell sequenced to determine specific influenza virus antibody repertoire and will be further down-selected in functional assay to establish protection and therapy in a pre-clinical model of disease. RESULTS: Pending. IMPACT: The study and characterization of influenza B virus specific mAbs can introduce new therapeutic mechanisms to decrease severe cases in children and increase odds of recovery and survival.

Supervising Institution:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Mentors
James Crowe

Project Location:
Tennessee

Award Amount:
$26,670