Webinar Highlights

You will learn:

  • Introduction to influenza structure and the next generation of influenza vaccines
  • How to dissect the antibody response to influenza strains and universal vaccines
  • How Next Generation Protein Sequencing works – for sequencing viral proteins and neutralizing antibodies
  • How epitope mapping by HDX mass spectrometry works

Abstract

Development of Universal Influenza Vaccines

Understanding the sequence and structure of viral surface proteins allows innovative R&D for vaccine development. Computationally Optimized Broadly Reactive Antigens (COBRA) are being developed as universal vaccines against influenza by building a consensus sequence of the viral hemagglutinin (HA) proteins. There are 500 HA molecules on the surface of the virus that serve as the primary target for the antibody response. COBRA can be used across vaccine platforms including live viruses, mRNA, recombinant adenoviruses, split vaccines, etc.

As nearly all individuals have pre-existing immunity to influenza viruses, influenza-specific memory B cells will likely be recalled upon COBRA HA vaccination. By comparing the antibody response towards specific wild-type influenza strains and COBRA antigens, we can begin to understand the potential for COBRA-based vaccines to be used in the clinic.

Furthermore, if broadly neutralizing antibodies can be found against COBRAs, we can assess the potential utility of these antibodies for antiviral treatment of influenza.

Proteomics in Influenza Studies

Antibody binding performance can be assessed, followed by sequencing of antibodies of interest using Next Generation Protein Sequencing to enable recombinant production. When designing antibodies for research use or for potential therapeutic applications, it is important to understand where antibodies bind – antibodies in the repertoire may bind to the ‘head’ or ‘stem’ or both of the HA protein structure. For this purpose, HDX mass spectrometry epitope mapping can be used.

Speaker Bios

Dr. Giuseppe A. Sautto, PhD, MBA

University of Georgia

Assistant Research Scientist

Giuseppe’s research activity is focused on the selection, cloning, characterization and engineering of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), of human or animal origin, and directed against infectious agents, particularly hypervariable pathogens such as the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the influenza virus. In particular, the potential of mAbs is investigated as therapeutic molecules, able to directly neutralize infectious pathogens, or as indirect molecules to be exploited for the development of prophylactic approaches.

Since 2016 he has extended his expertise into the field of innovative prophylactic countermeasures for hypervariable pathogens. In particular, he is investigating the mechanism of protection elicited by computationally optimized broadly reactive antigens (COBRA) based on the hemagglutinin glycoprotein of influenza A virus.

Dylan Brethour, MSc

Rapid Novor

Scientific Sales Executive

Dylan graduated from the University of Toronto with a Master’s in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. He is passionate about science and new technologies, and particularly about accelerating research through next generation protein sequencing. Driven by a very curious mind, Dylan thrives in problem solving and ensuring Rapid Novor’s clients’ needs are always met.