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Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) and Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) for Noroviruses

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

Norwalk virus (NV), a member of the family Caliciviridae, is an important cause of acute epidemic nonbacterial gastroenteritis. Norwalk and related viruses are classified in a separate genus of Caliciviridae called Norovirus, which is comprised of at least six genogroups (GI, GII, GIII, etc.) and further subdivided into many additional genotypes (GI.1, GII.4, etc.) based on sequence differences. Many of the currently available immunologic reagents used to study these viruses are genotype specific, which limits the identification of antigenically distinct viruses in detection assays. To address this issue, Dr. Mary Estes and her team developed a portfolio of VLPs and mAbs for noroviruses.The NV viral particle is composed of 180 copies of a single structural protein that, when expressed in insect cells infected with a recombinant baculovirus, assembles into empty recombinant Norwalk VLPs which are morphologically and antigenically similar to native NV. The Estes team has made a series of mAbs using VLPs as antigens and a subset of the mAbs demonstrated broad reactivity against multiple norovirus genogroups. While the mAbs are valuable tools for norovirus research and clinical diagnostics, a variety of VLPs representing different genogroups are also available as important control reagents.The following mAbs are available for non-exclusive license:- NV3901 and NV3912: React with multiple GI norovirus VLPs (PMID: 8599210)- NS14: React with multiple GII norovirus VLPs (PMID: 12089262)- NS46: React with multiple GII norovirus VLPs (PMID: 12089262)- NS22: React with multiple GII norovirus VLPs (Unpublished, data available upon request)- NV23: React with the majority of both GI and GII norovirus VLPs (PMID: 12089262)- NV57: React with one GI and multiple GII norovirus VLPs (Unpublished, data available upon request)Baculovirus expression vectors encoding VLPs for multiple genogroups are also available for non-exclusive license. From time to time, we receive material requests for the above reagents from both academia and industry. We are seeking commercial partners who have the interest and manufacture capabilities to make those reagents commercially available.

Country/Region

USA