Onchocerca volvulus Ov-103 antigen (Ov-103)

The Onchocerca volvulus Ov-103 antigen is a surface-associated protein found on the infective third-stage larvae (L3) of the parasitic nematode Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of onchocerciasis (river blindness) [1, 2]. It is a lead vaccine candidate identified by the TOVA (The Onchocerciasis Vaccine for Africa) consortium for the development of a prophylactic vaccine to complement mass drug administration programs [1, 4]. Ov-103 is highly immunogenic and is recognized by the immune systems of putatively immune individuals who naturally resist infection [1, 11]. In preclinical studies, vaccination with recombinant Ov-103, often co-administered with the Ov-RAL-2 antigen, induces protective immunity characterized by the production of cytophilic IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies [2, 12]. These antibodies facilitate the elimination of larvae through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) involving neutrophils and monocytes [12, 14]. The antigen is currently being advanced toward Phase I clinical trials to prevent infection and reduce the global burden of river blindness [6, 9].

Other names

rOv-103Recombinant Ov-103 antigenOnchocerca volvulus 103 antigenOVOC4230

Induction of protective IgG antibodies and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)