Description of Invention:
Concerns that variola (smallpox) virus might be used as a biological weapon have led to the recommendation of widespread vaccination with vaccinia virus. While vaccination is generally safe and effective for prevention of smallpox, it is well documented that various adverse reactions in individuals have been caused by vaccination with existing licensed vaccines. Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) prepared from vaccinated humans has historically been used to treat adverse reactions arising from vaccinia immunization. However, VIG lots may have different potencies and carry the potential to transmit other viral agents.
Chimpanzee Fabs against the B5 and A33 outer extracellular membrane proteins of vaccinia virus were isolated and converted into complete mAbs with human gamma1 heavy chain constant regions. The two mAbs displayed high binding affinities to B5 and A33. The mAbs inhibited the spread of vaccinia virus as well as variola virus (the causative agent of smallpox) in vitro, protected mice from subsequent intranasal challenge with virulent vaccinia virus, protected mice when administered 2 days after challenge, and provided significantly greater protection than that afforded by VIG.
Application:
Prophylactics or therapeutics against orthopoxviruses.
Developmental Status:
Preclinical studies have been performed.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-145-2004/3 --
U.S. Patent Application No. 12/142,594 filed 19 Jun 2008, claiming priority to 22 Dec 2005
Relevant Publication:
Z Chen et al. Chimpanzee/human mAbs to vaccinia virus B5 protein neutralize vaccinia and smallpox viruses and protect mice against vaccinia virus. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2006 Feb 7;103(6):1882-1887. [PubMed abs]
Z Chen et al. Characterization of chimpanzee/human monoclonal antibodies to vaccinia virus A33 glycoprotein and its variola virus homolog in vitro and in a vaccinia virus mouse protection model. J Virol. 2007 Sep;81(17):8989-8995. [PubMed abs]
Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize Chimpanzee/human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against orthopoxviruses. Please contact Dr. Robert Purcell at 301-496 5090 for more information.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Peter A. Soukas J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-4646
Email: soukasp@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
