Quantitative Immunological Assays to Assess HIV Antibodies and Vaccines

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

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Abstract

Antibodies that block virus infection, called neutralizing antibodies (Nab), are hypothesized to be a crucial component of a protective immune response to HIV-1. Further, broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) may prevent virus infection when administered prior to exposure, and are being studied as components of therapeutic regimens to limit disease and cure infection. Scientists in the Virology Core of the Vaccine Research Center have developed high-throughput, quantitative, and reproducible assays to measure the neutralization activities of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), convalescent sera, and vaccine-induced serum samples using non-replication competent pseudotype viruses. This research assay technique is now well established; Standard Operating Procedures detailing how it is performed have been distributed widely. The Virology Core performs neutralization assays and related antibody characterization experiments in support of VRC and intramural and extramural collaborators.