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In Vitro ELISA Test to Evaluate Rabies Vaccine Potency
Published on: May 11, 2020
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Efficiency Comparative Approach of Plant-Produced Monoclonal Antibodies against Rabies Virus Infection.
Boonlert Lumlertdacha1, Bancha Mahong2, Kaewta Rattanapisit3
1Department of Animal Diagnosis and Investigation, Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Vaccines
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Plant-produced monoclonal antibodies offer a promising alternative for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. A novel antibody cocktail demonstrated superior protection against rabies virus in animal models compared to existing treatments.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Rabies encephalitis is a fatal zoonotic disease with no cure post-onset.
- Current post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) relies on rabies vaccine and human/equine immune globulins (HRIG/ERIG).
- Conventional PEP has limitations, including high cost and potential for adverse reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate plant-based monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as an alternative to conventional rabies PEP.
- To compare the efficacy of plant-produced mAbs against rabies virus with existing immune globulins.
Main Methods:
- Transient expression technology was used to produce two anti-rabies mAbs (E559 and 62-71-3) in *Nicotiana benthamiana* plants.
- Expression levels of mAbs in plants were quantified.
- In vitro viral neutralization activity was assessed using a rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT).
- In vivo efficacy was evaluated by challenging hamsters with the CVS-11 rabies virus strain.
Main Results:
- Expression levels of 17.3 mg/kg and 28.6 mg/kg (fresh weight) were achieved for mAbs E559 and 62-71-3, respectively.
- Plant-produced mAbs effectively neutralized the CVS-11 rabies virus strain in vitro.
- A cocktail of the two plant-produced mAbs provided superior protection in hamsters compared to standard HRIG and ERIG.
Conclusions:
- Plant-based production is a viable platform for generating effective anti-rabies monoclonal antibodies.
- A cocktail of plant-produced rabies mAbs shows significant potential as a cost-effective and potent alternative to polyclonal immune globulins for rabies PEP.
