Antibodies targeting linear determinants of the envelope protein protect mice against West Nile virus

J Infect Dis. 2007 Dec 15;196(12):1741-8. doi: 10.1086/523654.

Abstract

The flavivirus envelope (E) protein mediates cellular attachment and fusion with host cell membranes and is recognized by virus-neutralizing antibodies. We raised antibodies against a broad range of epitopes by immunizing a horse with recombinant West Nile virus (WNV) E protein. To define epitopes recognized by protective antibodies, we selected, by affinity chromatography, immunoglobulins against immobilized linear peptides derived from parts of the E protein. Immunoglobulins binding 9 different peptides from domains I, II, and III of the E protein neutralized WNV in vitro. This indicates that multiple protective epitopes can be found in the E protein. Immunoglobulins recognizing 3 peptides derived from domains I and II of E protein protected mice against a lethal challenge with WNV. These immunoglobulins recognized the E proteins of related flaviviruses, demonstrating that antibodies targeting specific E protein epitopes could be developed for prevention and treatment of multiple flavivirus infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Viral / pharmacology
  • Antibody Affinity / immunology
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Drosophila
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / methods
  • Horses
  • Immunization, Passive / methods*
  • Immunoglobulins / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology
  • Vero Cells
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology*
  • West Nile Fever / immunology
  • West Nile Fever / prevention & control*
  • West Nile Fever / virology
  • West Nile virus / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Epitopes
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • glycoprotein E, Flavivirus