Trellis Bioscience has developed its patented CellSpot"""""""" technology into a robust platform for characterizing the secreted antibody from single human lymphocytes with regard to specificity and affinity against multiple antigens. For example, the platform was used to isolate a rare, high quality human antibody to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) that is now being prepared for human clinical testing by Trellis'licensee, MedImmune. In this project, we propose to use CellSpot to isolate therapeutic antibodies to combat rabies virus (RV) infections. Blood lymphocytes from adults who have been vaccinated against RV will be layered onto an antibody capture surface. After 5 hours of incubation, each cell's secreted antibody forms a """"""""footprint"""""""" in the vicinity of the cell (~150 This project will use an innovative microscopic cell analysis technology to screen human lymphocytes for cells producing antibodies to the rabies virus G protein. The antibodies selected will have the ability to protect animals and, ultimately humans, during rabies infection and will be developed as new therapeutic agents for this disease.Public Health Relevance
