Species-Specific Conservation of Linear Antigenic Sites on Vaccinia Virus A27 Protein Homologs of Orthopoxviruses.

The vaccinia virus (VACV) A27 protein and its homologs, which are found in a large number of members of the genus (OPXV), are targets of viral neutralization by host antibodies. We have mapped six binding sites (epitopes #1A: aa 32-39, #1B: aa 28-33, #1C: aa 26-31, #1D: 28-34, #4: aa 9-14, and #5: aa 68-71) of A27 specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using peptide arrays. MAbs recognizing epitopes #1A-D and #4 neutralized VACV Elstree in a complement dependent way (50% plaque-reduction: 12.

Dynamics of Pathological and Virological Findings During Experimental Calpox Virus Infection of Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

Experimental intranasal infection of marmosets () with calpox virus results in fatal disease. Route and dose used for viral inoculation of the test animals mimics the natural transmission of smallpox, thus representing a suitable model to study pathogenesis and to evaluate new vaccines against orthopoxvirus infection. However, the pathogenic mechanisms leading to death are still unclear.

Comprehensive panel of cross-reacting monoclonal antibodies for analysis of different immune cells and their distribution in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Background: Common marmosets are extensively used in immunological and pharmacological research, and the usage of methods such as flow cytometry gain increasing importance.

Methods: Using multicolor flow cytometry cross-reactivity of monoclonal antibodies with cells of common marmosets was analyzed. Furthermore, frequencies of immune cells and immunological parameters were assessed in healthy common marmosets.