Rapid generation of a human monoclonal antibody to combat Middle East respiratory syndrome. Issue 3 (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corti, Davide; Passini, Nadia; Lanzavecchia, Antonio; Zambon, Maria
• Is Part Of: Journal of infection and public health. Volume 9:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 235
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; 614.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2016.04.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1876-0341

Abstract

Summary: The last century has witnessed the emergence of several previously unknown viruses as life-threatening human pathogens. Several examples include HIV, Ebola, Lujo, and, most recently, the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Ebola. In this study, we describe a method for the swift generation of a human-derived monoclonal antibody, known as LCA60, as a treatment for MERS infections. LCA60 antibody was generated using the Cellclone Technology from the immortalized B cells of a human donor recovering from MERS. Only four months were required from the initial screening of B cells to the development of a stable CHO cell line suitable for the production of clinical grade antibody, thereby delineating a rapid pathway for the development of antiviral therapies against emerging viruses. Currently, the LCA60 antibody is being considered for clinical development, which includes prophylaxis in individuals at risk and a treatment for severe MERS-CoV infections.