Development of NHP Models for Infectious Pathogens of Man

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

For norovirus, we identified a strain that successfully infects NHP. This model is now being tested in vaccine and monoclonal antibody therapies to see if it can predict human uses. We will also test therapeutics. For WEVEE, we have isolated almost 100 distinct nonhuman primate monoclonal antibodies two the three viruses; with our methodology, we can selectively identify those which are cross reactive to all three. We have shown that antibodies which bind all three viruses, will only neutralize one -- IE, neutralizing epitopes on the surface of these viruses are distinct. This suggests that Monoclonal antibody therapeutics or preventatives may require at least two distinct monoclonal antibodies for protection against all three viruses. These antibodies also have activity against old-world alpha viruses such as Chikungunya. We are extending the model to test these.