Hybridomas Producing Antibodies to Neuraminidase for Influenza A (H3N2) Diagnostics, Vaccine, and Therapeutic Development
Influenza A and B viruses can cause seasonal flu epidemics ― commonly known as the “flu season” ― and infect the nose, throat, eyes, and lungs in humans. Typically, flu seasons that are dominated by influenza A (H3N2) virus activity have higher associated hospitalizations and deaths in at-risk groups, such as people ages 65 and older and young children. Influenza A (H3N2) virus can also cause respiratory disease in animals, such as canines and swine.
CDC discovered a series of 17 hybridomas (murine B cell fused with an immortal myeloma that produces a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb)) that recognize neuraminidase (N2) from influenza A (H3N2) viruses. Researchers identified the hybridomas of murine origin with mAbs that recognize N2 from influenza A/Hong Kong/4801/2014. The technology has potential utility in diagnostic assays, surveillance, prophylaxis, therapeutic treatments, and research reagents. Additional testing is planned to better understand the technology’s activities and potential.
- Development or refinement of diagnostic assays for influenza A (H3N2)
- Controls or a reference reagent source for diagnostic assay validation
- Quality control/quality assurance testing for influenza A (H3N2) vaccine or therapeutic development
- Monitoring and public health surveillance
- Research tools
- The newly identified mAbs may bind to regions on viral NA antigens in a manner that currently available antibodies do not
- The technology may have altered affinities or a broader range of subtype and strain specificity than existing antibodies