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  5. Reassortant Influenza Viruses Expressing Neuraminidase (NA) And A Mismatched Hemagglutinin (HA) Protein Useful for Determining Antibody Titers of Functional Na-Specific Antibodies
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Reassortant Influenza Viruses Expressing Neuraminidase (NA) And A Mismatched Hemagglutinin (HA) Protein Useful for Determining Antibody Titers of Functional Na-Specific Antibodies

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Technology Summary

These reassortant influenza (flu) viruses can be used to determine neuraminidase inhibition (NI) antibody titers to assess the immunogenicity of candidate influenza vaccines. NI antibody titers are not routinely measured during vaccine trials because antibodies against hemagglutinin (HA) interfere with NI antibody titer assays conducted using wild type viruses. Reassortant viruses that contain the trial vaccine NA subtype and an HA subtype not contained in the trial vaccine virus are suitable for measuring NI antibody titers.  For example, two reassortant viruses available for licensing are H6N1 and H6N2 influenza viruses. These reassortant viruses are useful for determining NI titers from subjects vaccinated or infected with H1N1 or H3N2 viruses. Other reassortant viruses available for licensing include:  H6N1 influenza viruses with a NA that originates from H5N1 viruses and H6N9 influenza viruses with a NA that originates from H7N9 viruses. Additional reassortant influenza viruses may also be available.

The reassortant viruses have been used in a miniaturized colorimetric assay for detecting neuraminidase-inhibiting antibodies (PMID: 21462400) or an enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA) to measure neuraminidase inhibition (NI) titers (PMID: 24899442; 25233882).

Potential Commercial Applications Competitive Advantages
  • Can be used in a variety of assays (thiobarbituric acid assay, enzyme-linked lectin assay, ELISA etc.).
  • Provides a source of antigen for accurate measurement of functional neuraminidase-specific antibodies.
  • A readily-accessible reagent that overcomes the need for lengthy development and qualification of reassortant viruses.
  • Useful for the development of influenza vaccines.
  • Can be used in a variety of assays (thiobarbituric acid assay, enzyme-linked lectin assay, ELISA etc.).
  • Provides a source of antigen for accurate measurement of functional neuraminidase-specific antibodies.
  • A readily-accessible reagent that overcomes the need for lengthy development and qualification of reassortant viruses.
  • Useful for the development of influenza vaccines.

Development Stage: Research reagent

Inventors: Maryna Eichelberger, Jin Gao, Matthew Sandbulte, Hongquan Wan

Publications:

  • “An optimized enzyme-linked lectin assay to measure influenza A virus neuraminidase inhibition antibody titers in human sera.” J Virol Methods. 2014 Dec 15;210:7-14. PMID: 25233882
  • “Analyzing swine sera for functional antibody titers against influenza A neuraminidase proteins using an enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA). Methods Mol Biol. 2014;1161:337-45. PMID: 24899442
  • “A miniaturized assay for influenza neuraminidase-inhibiting antibodies utilizing reverse genetics-derived antigens. Methods Mol Biol.” Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2009;Sep;3(5):233-40. PMID: 21462400

Product Area:  Bioassay, diagnostics, vaccine

FDA Reference No: E-2017-022   

Licensing Contact:
Bill Ronnenberg, MS, JD/MIP
FDA Technology Transfer Program
Email: FDAInventionlicensing@fda.hhs.gov
Phone: 240-402-4561

 

 
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