A neutralizing antibody selected from plasma cells that binds to group 1 and group 2 influenza A hemagglutinins

Corti, Davide, Voss, Jarrod, Gamblin, Steven J., Codoni, Giosiana, Macagno, Annalisa, Jarrossay, David, Vachieri, Sebastien G., Pinna, Debora, Minola, Andrea, Vanzetta, Fabrizia, Silacci, Chiara, Fernandez-Rodriguez, Blanca M., Agatic, Gloria, Bianchi, Siro, Giacchetto-Sasselli, Isabella, Calder, Lesley, Sallusto, Federica, Collins, Patrick, Haire, Lesley F., Temperton, Nigel, Langedijk, Johannes P.M., Skehel, John J. and Lanzavecchia, Antonio (2011) A neutralizing antibody selected from plasma cells that binds to group 1 and group 2 influenza A hemagglutinins. Science, 333 (6044). pp. 850-856. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)

Abstract

The isolation of broadly neutralizing antibodies against influenza A viruses has been a long-sought goal for therapeutic approaches and vaccine design. Using a single-cell culture method for screening large numbers of human plasma cells, we isolated a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that recognized the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein of all 16 subtypes and neutralized both group 1 and group 2 influenza A viruses. Passive transfer of this antibody conferred protection to mice and ferrets. Complexes with HAs from the group 1 H1 and the group 2 H3 subtypes analyzed by x-ray crystallography showed that the antibody bound to a conserved epitope in the F subdomain. This antibody may be used for passive protection and to inform vaccine design because of its broad specificity and neutralization potency.

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