Chikungunya Virus Neutralization Antigens and Direct Cell-to-Cell Transmission Are Revealed by Human Antibody-Escape Mutants

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus responsible for numerous epidemics throughout Africa and Asia, causing infectious arthritis and reportedly linked with fatal infections in newborns and elderly. Previous studies in animal models indicate that humoral immunity can protect against CHIKV infection, but despite the potential efficacy of B-cell-driven intervention strategies, there are no virus-specific vaccines or therapies currently available. In addition, CHIKV has been reported to elicit long-lasting virus-specific IgM in humans, and to establish long-term persistence in non-human primates, suggesting that the virus might evade immune defenses to establish chronic infections in man. However, the mechanisms of immune evasion potentially employed by CHIKV remain uncharacterized. We previously described two human monoclonal antibodies that potently neutralize CHIKV infection. In the current report, we have characterized CHIKV mutants that escape antibody-dependent neutralization to identify the CHIKV E2 domain B and fusion loop “groove” as the primary determinants of CHIKV interaction with these antibodies. Furthermore, for the first time, we have also demonstrated direct CHIKV cell-to-cell transmission, as a mechanism that involves the E2 domain A and that is associated with viral resistance to antibody-dependent neutralization. Identification of CHIKV sub-domains that are associated with human protective immunity, will pave the way for the development of CHIKV-specific sub-domain vaccination strategies. Moreover, the clear demonstration of CHIKV cell-to-cell transmission and its possible role in the establishment of CHIKV persistence, will also inform the development of future anti-viral interventions. These data shed new light on CHIKV-host interactions that will help to combat human CHIKV infection and inform future studies of CHIKV pathogenesis

Development of a [lu-177]bpamd labeling kit and an automated synthesis module for routine bone targeted endoradiotherapy

Painful bone lesions, both benign and metastatic, are often managed using conventional analgesics. However, the treatment response is not immediate and is often associated with side-effects. Radionuclide therapy is used for pain palliation in bone metastases as well as some benign neoplasms. Endoradiotherapy has direct impact on the pain-producing bone elements, and hence, response is significant, with minimal or no side-effects. A new potential compound for endoradiotherapy is [Lu-177]BPAMD. It combines a highly affine bisphosphonate, covalently bridged with DOTA through an amide bond, with the low-energy beta(-) emitting therapeutic radiolanthanide Lu-177. For routine chemical application, an automated synthesis of this radiopharmaceutical and a Kit-type labeling procedure appears to be a basic requirement for its good manufacturing practice (GMP) based production. A Kit formulation combining BPAMD, acetate buffer, and ethanol resulted in almost quantitative labeling yields. The use of ethanol and ascorbic acid as quenchers prevented radiolysis over 48 hours. An automated synthesis unit was designed for the production of therapeutic doses of [Lu-177]BPAMD up to 5 GBq. The procedure was successfully applied for patient treatments