Development of goose monoclonal IgY antibodies for use as a passive therapeutic. (113.6)

Abstract

Abstract When vaccination is not cost effective or possible, one of the primary alternatives is passive immunotherapies. Passive therapeutic antibodies have been shown to be effective in the treatment, not only of infectious agents, but also for toxins, venoms, and cancer targets. Recent research in our laboratory as well as others, has demonstrated the potential of avian-derived passive therapeutic antibodies. We have demonstrated goose-derived polyclonal antibodies, from either sera or eggs, are therapeutic for several viral diseases. The avian immunoglobulin IgY is the primary avian antibody isotype. IgY is similar to mammalian IgG, but lacks the ability to interact with mammalian Fc receptors, complement, and other factors that promote inflammation. IgY’s potential as a therapeutic agent is boosted by its higher avidity than IgG and recognizes more epitopes than mammalian antibodies. These advantages are due to the evolutionary distance between mammalian and avian species. In this work we present initial studies to develop goose mIgY, utilizing traditional mammalian monoclonal protocol that will be commercialized against viral or other targets responsive to single epitope treatment, with the product displaying the inherent advantages of avian antibodies.