Human Monoclonal Antibody Generation

This award provides for services to USAMRIID wherein The Emory Vaccine Center (brand name or equal to) will assay approximately 160 PBMC samples to evaluate PA-specific memory B cells and plasmablasts from individuals who were previously vaccinated with anthrax vaccine adsorbed.  USAMRIID investigators vaccinated soldiers at Fort Benning, GA and drew blood at designated times and shipped to The Emory Vaccine Center via same day courier.  The Emory Vaccine Center prepared PBMCs from these samples as part of a previous project.  Since then, the USAMRIID investigators have collected more samples, in order to broaden the diversity of individuals from whom PBMCs are derived and subsequently PA-specific monoclonals are discovered, additional samples may be sent to The Emory Vaccine Center.  The Emory Vaccine Center will generate human PA-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from post anthrax vaccinated human plasmablasts and memory B cells.  Deep sequencing and analysis of the B cell receptor repertoires of PA-specific plasmablasts and memory B cells.  The Emory Vaccine Center will conduct screening of the generated mAbs by Biacore and provide samples to CDC for characterization.  CDC will provide Screening of the mAbs showing highest PA-binding avidity by in vitro toxin neutralization and conduct other characterization analyses.  Mouse protective studies on best candidates will be done at USAMRIID.  This award is for performance of non- personal external services.  This award is not a vehicle for acquiring in-house support contractors. This award identifies services that are severable in nature.


Base Year plus 4 Option Periods