Distributed Manufacturing of Antigen for Serological Testing and Countermeasures

Members: University of California, Davis, Boston University, University of Texas-Austin, Johns Hopkins University, University of Georgia, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Project dates: 2022 - 2026

This interdisciplinary research team evaluated seven antigen expression platforms utilizing bacterial, yeast, fungal, plant and mammalian cell hosts. The team compared metrics across platforms such as volumetric productivity, cost, production timeline, and functional properties. Antigens are important for use as research reagents, serological testing such as test kits, and vaccines. 

Developing these capabilities will improve responsiveness to new viral pathogens as they arise, providing flexibility in choice of production platforms for U.S.-sourced antigens. This will improve health care effectiveness and outcomes for warfighters experiencing new disease outbreaks around the world, as well as protecting everyday Americans.  

Researchers: 

  • Standardized rapid antigen discovery and established common analytical methods for use across platforms and project locations to better compare platform capabilities 

  • Produced antigens in novel platforms and demonstrated methods for glycosylation modification of antigens as a means to tune antigen binding properties. 

  • Performed functional analysis of antigens and used computational modelling to predict antigen binding 

  • Scaled platforms through fermentation trial and purification of spike and RBD proteins. One platform, based on the fungal host C1, appears promising to scale due to high titer, low media costs, and ease of culturing 

  • Completed a techno-economic analyses for two platforms, C1 fungi and N. benthamiana tobacco plants 

Having the ability to rapidly design and produce new viral antigens in an efficient, rapid, scalable, and cost-effective way strengthens American supply chain resiliency and makes the U.S. more responsive and flexible against future pathogens.   

Funding source: U.S. Department of Commerce

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