Chapter 1: A Day in the Life of Pandemic Researchers

Inside the Crowe Laboratory at Vanderbilt University, a team of dedicated scientists is working tirelessly to combat the effects of the coronavirus. Among them are Pavlo Gilchuk, a Senior Staff Scientist; Robert Carnahan, the associate director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Center; and Rachel Nargi, the lab manager. Their efforts underscore how science can quickly pivot in times of crisis.

One fateful morning, Robert Carnahan found himself inundated with frantic voicemails at the crack of dawn, all urging him to contact a donor who had provided blood for crucial antibody research the previous night. The urgency was palpable: the donor needed to be back at the lab before catching a flight to the West Coast. With only three hours to spare, Carnahan coordinated logistics, including enlisting an external physician to collect the sample since their usual phlebotomist was unavailable.

Had Carnahan failed to secure the donor's return, they might have missed out on vital B cells—those essential human cells responsible for antibody production. These B cells came from a Covid-19 survivor, and their antibodies are integral to developing therapies for the virus. Research indicates that antibody levels peak shortly after infection, making timely collection critical.

Despite the pressure, Carnahan remained composed, drawing on his extensive experience. “With adequate planning, you have a clear understanding of your resources, personnel, and possible solutions,” he remarked.

The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center's groundwork began in 2017 when they received sponsorship from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its Pandemic Protection Platform initiative. This program aimed to cultivate innovative strategies for swiftly discovering, testing, and producing medical treatments for infectious diseases. Along with several partner institutions, the Vanderbilt team was tasked with creating a protective antibody-based treatment for Zika within a mere 90 days.

Carnahan explained that Zika was chosen as their target because it represented a severe threat, being transmitted by mosquitoes. Although the global Zika epidemic subsided in 2016, the absence of a vaccine or antibody treatment renders this research relevant.

Chapter 2: Navigating Challenges in Research

As the team prepared for the 90-day challenge, they were granted a year of R&D beforehand. This time was crucial for addressing potential obstacles, such as shipping delays or communication breakdowns among scientists in different time zones. Laboratory manager Rachel Nargi diligently considered every possible scenario, stocking up on essential materials like plastic dishes and pipettes.

They established a partnership with FedEx to clarify their Saturday shipping policies and devised contingency plans for hand-delivery if necessary. Furthermore, a dedicated Slack workspace was created to facilitate real-time collaboration among team members, allowing them to share data and communicate effectively—even during late-night emergencies.

On January 14, 2019, the official countdown began, and the team worked tirelessly, often logging 10 to 12 hours a day, to identify antibodies and develop treatments for Zika. “We held ourselves accountable to that date, just as if it was the real thing,” Carnahan stated.

Ultimately, the researchers succeeded, creating a protective antibody treatment for Zika with 12 days remaining.

Unexpected hurdles are common in scientific endeavors, especially during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. Michael Joyner from the Mayo Clinic emphasized that academic research often lacks the flexibility needed for rapid response. He noted that effective planning can provide laboratories with a toolkit of skills and resources, crucial for adapting to unforeseen challenges.

During their Zika sprint, the Vanderbilt team faced setbacks when isolated B cells were lost, and subsequent sequencing attempts encountered reagent shortages. Each failure, while disheartening, taught the team valuable lessons in adaptability and the need for resilience.

The real-world implications of their work became evident when Carnahan’s efforts to secure the Covid-19 survivor’s blood sample bore fruit. The antibodies derived from this research are now being utilized by AstraZeneca to develop combination therapies for Covid-19, expected to enter clinical trials soon.