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Updated: May 31, 2026

Generation of Escape Variants of Neutralizing Influenza Virus Monoclonal Antibodies
Published on: August 29, 2017
A highly conserved neutralizing epitope on group 2 influenza A viruses
Damian C Ekiert1, Robert H E Friesen, Gira Bhabha
1Department of Molecular Biology, Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Researchers identified a new antibody, CR8020, that neutralizes most influenza A group 2 viruses. This discovery, alongside existing antibodies, could lead to a universal flu vaccine and effective antibody therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Current influenza vaccines offer limited protection against diverse seasonal strains.
- Previous breakthroughs identified V(H)1-69 antibodies with broad neutralization of influenza A group 1 viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a human monoclonal antibody with broad neutralizing activity against influenza A group 2 viruses.
- To investigate the structural basis for antibody recognition of influenza virus hemagglutinin.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of human monoclonal antibody CR8020.
- Crystallography to determine the structure of the antibody fragment (Fab) CR8020 in complex with H3 hemagglutinin (HA).
Main Results:
- CR8020 exhibits broad neutralizing activity against influenza A group 2 viruses, including H3N2 and H7N7.
- Structural analysis revealed CR8020 targets a conserved epitope in the HA stalk, distinct from V(H)1-69 antibody targets.
- The identified epitope is conserved across various influenza A subtypes.
Conclusions:
- CR8020 represents a significant advance in targeting influenza A group 2 viruses.
- A combination of CR8020 and V(H)1-69 antibodies could neutralize most influenza A subtypes.
- This dual-antibody approach holds promise for developing a universal flu vaccine and broad-spectrum antibody therapies.
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