Location: Research Programs
Project Number: 3022-32000-018-043-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 1, 2024
End Date: Apr 30, 2026
Objective:
The goal of this collaborative project is to (1) generate advanced FMD diagnostic assays for antibody detection and surveillance, which can employ recombinant FMD antigens instead of whole FMD viruses, and (2) to produce mosaic FMD virus like particle (VLPs).
Approach:
The objectives will be accomplished by performing expression of FMD virus like particles (VLP) for commercially relevant FMD serotypes including parental or mutant virus particles. For this purpose, the yeast expression system, for which there is preliminary data available (established VLP purification protocols) will provide the platform for this strategy. In addition, capsid protein expressed in E. coli or yeast will be evaluated for the development of improved Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs), VLP will be used as a coating antigen for ELISA to determine the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of indirect ELISA, and evaluate a blocking ELISA format based on currently available FMD monoclonal antibodies. The repertoire of monoclonal antibodies will be expanded to include FMDV-capsid protein specific and a differential for Seneca Valley Virus (SVA) and selection of best mAb among them will follow. Together, the data will be evaluated and available for developing the optimal protocols to transfer our knowledge of VLP and ELISA production.
