Antibodies against the extracellular enveloped virus B5R protein are mainly responsible for the EEV neutralizing capacity of vaccinia immune globulin.
In the event of smallpox bioterrorism, widespread vaccination may be required. Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) has been used to treat complications from the smallpox vaccine. While the potency of VIG was defined by its ability to neutralize intracellular mature virus, a second form of vaccinia called the extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) is critical for virus spread in the host. The B5R-protein is one of many EEV-specific proteins. Immunoprecipitation and ELISA revealed that VIG recognizes the B5R-protein. An EEV plaque-reduction assay using a recombinant vaccinia that lacks the majority of the extracellular domain of B5R showed that the ability of VIG to neutralize EEV is principally directed at B5R. In addition, absorbing out the anti-B5R antibody present in VIG through the addition of recombinant B5R protein abrogated VIG's ability to significantly neutralize wild-type EEV. This work demonstrates the prominent role of B5R as a target of EEV-neutralizing activity of human antibodies.
Bell
Edward
E
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Shamim
Mohammad
M
Whitbeck
J Charles
JC
Sfyroera
Georgia
G
Lambris
John D
JD
Isaacs
Stuart N
SN
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D023482:Bioterrorism; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D016296:Mutagenesis; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; C074512:42kDa protein, Vaccinia virus