The D/T–MAP study
A global challenge is the lack of effective ways to prevent respiratory infections and virus spread. While secretory IgA in the respiratory mucosa offers broad protection, research has mainly focused on circulating IgG antibodies. The study ‘Dissecting and Translating the Functional Role of Mucosal IgA Glycoprofiles for Effective Humoral Mucosal Protection’ aims to fill this gap by analysing protective secretory IgA at the molecular level.
The aim is to understand the fundamental mechanisms of our mucosal immune system, whilst also opening up opportunities for the development of new medicines.
Through our globally unique COMMUNITY biobank and advanced mass spectrometry, we aim in particular to investigate how carbohydrate structures influence the properties and function of IgA antibodies. By linking the molecular structures of IgA antibodies to previously documented infection outcomes at an individual level in our biobank, we can understand which molecules on the IgA antibodies enable them to protect against infection.
This knowledge will guide our design and production of a number of recombinant IgA antibodies. These will be evaluated for their ability to protect against infection in human nasal and lung organoids, which replicate the complex nasal and lung epithelium found in humans.
Although today’s vaccines protect against severe illness, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for new strategies to prevent the infection itself and thereby slow the spread of the virus. Our long-term goal is to develop a recombinant IgA antibody that can protect against respiratory infections, perhaps by being applied directly to the mucous membrane of the airways.
Funded by:
- ERC (Starting Grant)
- Knut och Alice Wallenbergs stiftelse (Projektanslag)
- Svenska Sällskapet för Medicinsk Forskning (SSMF Consolidator Grant)
In collaboration with:
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sophia Hober)
- Uppsala University (Mikael Åberg)
- Leiden University Medical Centre (Manfred Wuhrer)
- Utrecht University (Gestur Vidarsson)
- Linköping University (Jonas Klingström)
- Umeå University (Mattias Forsell)