Molecular convergence of neutralizing antibodies in human revealed by repeated rabies vaccination.

ABSTRACT: Rabies vaccines require repeated immunization to robustly elicit neutralizing antibodies that prevent fatal diseases. Here, we analyzed rabies glycoprotein antibody repertoires at both polyclonal and monoclonal levels following repeated vaccination. Booster vaccination dramatically elevated the neutralizing activity of recalled antibodies, primarily targeting an immunodominant site III epitope with hydrophilic and rugged structures. Strikingly, the majority of site III-directed antibodies in the recall response used a convergent V_H gene (IGHV3-30), and they exhibited more hydrophilic and shorter paratopes than non-site III antibodies, providing physicochemical advantages for binding to site III. Additionally, several amino acids on heavy chain CDR3 were identified as key sites f

SUBMITTER: Fujisawa M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11847937 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature