Abstract: X-ray crystallography has defined conformational properties of a key functional region of the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Mimics of these epitopes have utility as immunogens, as tools for discovery of antibodies and other monoclonal binding agents, and as pharmacological agents to modulate activity of the host receptors for this viral protein.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting a biomolecule of interest in a sample. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise contacting the sample with a biolayer interferometry (BLI) sensor, the BLI sensor comprising a capture antigen specific for the biomolecule affixed to the BLI sensor, wherein a wavelength shift detected by the BLI sensor indicates the presence of the biomolecule of interest in the sample. The methods may further comprise contacting the BLI sensor with a detecting reagent (e.g., an antibody or the like) specific for the biomolecule of interest, where the detecting reagent is conjugated to a colloidal gold particle or other signal enhancing molecule. In certain embodiments, the biomolecule of interest is an antibody specific for a viral antigen, e.g., a SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific antibody, or the like. Also provided are BLI sensors and kits that find use, e.g., in practicing the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: X-ray crystallography has defined conformational properties of a key functional region of the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Mimics of these epitopes have utility as immunogens, as tools for discovery of antibodies and other monoclonal binding agents, and as pharmacological agents to modulate activity of the host receptors for this viral protein.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods of sequencing antibody chains from hybridomas. In some embodiments, the methods comprise contacting hybridoma RNA with a constant region-specific reverse transcription primer, and contacting the hybridoma RNA with a reverse transcriptase with terminal nucleotidyl transferase activity, thereby creating a heavy chain and/or light chain cDNA. Such methods further comprise contacting the cDNA with a template switch oligonucleotide comprising a universal PCR primer sequence, thereby generating a single stranded cDNA, and performing second strand synthesis on the single stranded cDNA, thereby producing a double stranded heavy chain and/or light chain cDNA. A heavy chain and/or light chain sequencing template is produced, and the methods further comprise sequencing the template by Sanger sequencing. Also provided are kits that find use, e.g., in practicing the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Creation of HIV-1 vaccine immunogens based on glycopeptide scaffolds containing sequences from the V1/V2/V3 and C3 domains of HIV-1 gp120 that is able to bind multiple broadly neutralizing antibodies when expressed in mammalian cells that incorporate mannose-5 and mannose-9 glycans.

Abstract: X-ray crystallography has defined conformational properties of a key functional region of the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Mimics of these epitopes have utility as immunogens, as tools for discovery of antibodies and other monoclonal binding agents, and as pharmacological agents to modulate activity of the host receptors for this viral protein.

Abstract: Creation of HIV-1 vaccine immunogens based on glycopeptide scaffolds containing sequences from the V1/V2/V3 and C3 domains of HIV-1 gp120 that is able to bind multiple broadly neutralizing antibodies when expressed in mammalian cells that incorporate mannose-5 and mannose-9 glycans.