Stimulating infectious disease research
The EU-funded 'European initiative for basic research in microbiology and infectious diseases' (EIMID-IAPP) programme aimed to promote the development of novel therapeutic approaches against infectious diseases. This was undertaken with particular emphasis on drug-based and vaccine-based therapies for bacterial infections affecting mucosal surfaces. In order to gain fresh insight, four researchers were transferred from the project's industrial partners to its academic partners and vice versa. Each transfer yielded thorough investigations and complementary research. Each academic institution also recruited an experienced researcher for two years in order to acquire new expertise and technologies necessary for project development. A series of informal discussions and annual general meetings also allowed for a constant exchange of information and efficient project steering. The scientific work-plan was divided into two areas. The first concentrated on discovering key antigens that are essential for infection. The second focused on identifying key bacterial genes essential for survival, growth, colonisation and virulence expression in vivo. One topic examined during the project was gene regulation in Shigella. The objective was to understand the mechanisms governing survival and virulence in the lower intestine. Several proteins that control the transport of proteins to the bacterial surface were shown to be affected by low oxygen levels. EIMID-IAPP has yielded a number of insights into how mucosal pathogens cause disease, which could aid in the development or improvement of drugs and vaccines. Furthermore, the close interactions between academia and industry have led to lasting collaborations that should strengthen the field of microbiology in Europe.
