Abstract— The purpose of this study was to determine the role of Axl receptor in LV entry, and to understand the effect of anti-Axl antibodies on LV infection. Polyclonal antibodies against the human Axl ectodomain were also shown to play a role in inhibiting Zaire ebolavirus entry into cells (Shimojima et al. 2006). These same antibodies (Raud D Systems) were used in this study to address LVSV binding to Axl (Figures 5-7). Within the polyclonal antibody mix, a variety of different Axl epitopes will be recognized. Therefore, it is possible that different areas of the Axl ectodomain are targeted by the antibodies. Our studies could be enhanced by using monoclonal antibodies that target known epitopes on the Axl ectodomain. Determining which monoclonal antibodies inhibit LV infection and which ones do not would help us determine the portion of Axl that LV is binding to. Antibodies that do not inhibit LV binding to Axl could also be excluded as potential therapy agents. Antibodies also have successfully been used for therapy during other viral infections, including Ebola virus infections.

Keywords: hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever, Axl protein