Our laboratory has generated an anti-idiotype monoclonal antibody (mAb) AB194 to the HIV-1 neutralizing mAb BAT123 which recognized an immunodominant region of gpl2O. We have characterized AB19-4 to be a paratope-specific anti-Id mAb which mimics the three-dimensional structure of neutralizing epitopes of the virus. Furthermore, polyclonal responses obtained from rabbits immunized with AB19-4 showed specific immunoreactivity to gpl2O and neutralizing activity toward HIV-1. AB19-4 is therefore a good candidate for AIDS vaccine development. Direct use of murine mAb AB19-4 in vivo may pose a problem due to the immunogenicity of the constant regions of the molecule. In this Phase I application, we propose to use recombinant DNA techniques to produce the corresponding Fv fragment for its potential use as a vaccine. This process will involve cloning the variable region genes encoding both heavy and light chains of the murine IgG, and splicing them into a bacterial expression vector. Both chains will be co-expressed and assembled proteins will be characterized. In Phase II studies, we will further evaluate the anti-Id Fv protein as a potential candidate for development into an AIDS vaccine. If proven feasible, this technology can be broadly applicable to all anti Id-based therapy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43AI030308-01
Application #
3489301
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SSS (B))
Project Start
1990-09-30
Project End
1991-03-29
Budget Start
1990-09-30
Budget End
1991-03-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Tanox, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77025