Structural characterisation and rational optimisation of antiviral monoclonal antibodies (HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01-DISEASE-07)

The Protein Crystallography and Structural Immunology Unit at Navarrabiomed (Spain) offers complementary scientific capabilities for the development of monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics against emerging viral pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential.

Our structural immunology platform supports recombinant expression of antigens and antibody/Fab constructs in E. coli, Sf9 and CHO systems, followed by ÄKTA purification. We can characterise binding affinity and kinetics by BLI and SPR, and investigate selected complexes by X-ray crystallography using Gryphon-assisted crystallisation and routine access to the ALBA synchrotron.

We are particularly interested in collaborating with consortia developing existing therapeutic antibody candidates against the viral pathogens covered by this call. Our potential contribution would focus on the molecular characterisation of antibody-antigen interactions, including structural determination of selected Fab-antigen complexes, identification and analysis of antibody-binding epitopes, and investigation of the molecular determinants underlying antibody specificity and recognition.

By integrating structural information with functional and neutralisation data generated by consortium partners, we could help identify key antigenic residues, interpret the effects of viral mutations and guide the rational optimisation of antibody candidates. These approaches may also support the evaluation of antigenic conservation and inform strategies for improving antibody recognition of circulating variants.

Our background in structural immunology, antigen engineering and pathogen-host molecular interactions provides relevant expertise for multidisciplinary projects in antiviral immunotherapy.

We envisage contributing to structural and mechanistic work packages that support candidate selection, epitope validation and antibody optimisation, in collaboration with partners responsible for virological testing, in-vivo efficacy, GMP manufacturing and clinical development.