Vaccines for developing countries
The EU-funded 'Genome-driven vaccine development for bacterial infections' (GENDRIVAX) project is contributing to the development of vaccines for two bacterial diseases that inflict a disproportionate high burden in Africa. Non-typhoidal salmonella caused by Salmonella Typhimurium and Enteritidis is responsible for at least 100,000 deaths of children in Africa. Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis epidemics, where sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of this disease. The team is using a new platform for making vaccines by introducing genetic changes into the bacteria that cause them to shed large quantities of pure outer membrane. . This is the the part of the bacteria most involved in stimulating a person’s immune system to protect them later, when exposed to the bacteria. Importantly, these fragments, otherwise known as generalized modules for membrane antigens (GMMAs), are inexpensive to manufacture in large quantities and are highly immunogenic. By carefully selecting the strains that can generate the 'right' part of the outer membrane, the team has taken a big step towards developing an effective vaccine for non-typhoidal Salmonella. The team has also created a prototype meningitis vaccine using GMMA and has shown that it protects against the major types, or serogroups, in an animal model. This indicates that the vaccine can potentially offer broader protection than the main vaccine currently deployed in Africa. The GENDRIVAX team has further analysed genomics data to better understand the evolution of the most important strains of both bacteria, which is critical for monitoring of the diseases and design of future vaccines. The researchers have also harnessed computer modelling to represent the transmission and disease caused by S. enterica. The researchers believe this can be applied to many pathogens and they are adapting it for Neisseria. A key part of the programme is the exchange of researchers between the industrial and academic partners. Fuelling progress on the vaccines, this synergy is tackling major bacterial diseases where the bacteria evade detection or therapy through genetic changes.
Keywords
Salmonella, bacterial meningitis, Neisseria, Africa, vaccine, serogroup, genetic change
