Anti-OspA DNA-Encoded Monoclonal Antibody Prevents Transmission of Spirochetes in Tick Challenge Providing Sterilizing Immunity in Mice.

Wang, Yang; Esquivel, Rianne; Flingai, Seleeke; Schiller, Zachary A; Kern, Aurélie; Agarwal, Sangya; Chu, Jacqueline; Patel, Ami et al. · J Infect Dis · 2019

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

We recently developed anti-OspA human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibodies (HuMAbs) that are effective in preventing Borrelia transmission from ticks in a murine model. Here, we investigated a novel approach of DNA-mediated gene transfer of HuMAbs that provide protection against Lyme disease. Plasmid DNA-encoded anti-OspA HuMAbs inoculated in mice achieved a serum antibody concentration of >6 μg/mL. Among mice injected with DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies, 75%-77% were protected against an acute challenge by Borrelia-infected ticks. Our results represent the first demonstration of employing DNA transfer as a delivery system for antibodies that block transmission of Borrelia in animal models.

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