Objective
This application proposes a postdoctoral training period in genomic approaches to development of vaccines against bacterial pathogens. Until recently, vaccine research followed a series of bottom up steps beginning from identification of virulence factors through serological or genetic approaches. With the availability of complete genome sequence of bacterial pathogens, this process has been reversed.
From the genome sequence, every protein produced by the bacteria can be identified. High throughput cloning and expression of the predicited proteins leads to the production of several hundred recombinant antigens which can be tested in appropriate models of immunogenicity. This approach has been taken at the host institute to identify several novel candidates for a vaccine against Group B Streptococcus (GBS). In collaboration with TIGR, the sequence of the genome of a serotype V strain of GBS was determined. Using the "Reverse Vaccinology" approach several novel protective antigens against GBS have been identified.
A key protective antigen, antigen 80, identified in the genomic screen, is a surface exposed protein containing the LPXTG motif involved in cell wall attachment and shares some similarity with proteins involved in extracellular matrix adhesion. The overall objective of this proposal is to characterize structure, function and regulation of expression of antigen 80 to better understand its role in GBS physiology and/or pathophysiology.
Biochemical, molecular genetic and bioinformatic approaches will be taken to identify structural characteristics of the protein, to identify functional domains within the protein and to define protective epitopes exposed on the surface of the bacteria. Proteomic and microarray technology will be used to study the regulation of expression of the antigen during experimental infection in mice. We expect the results to contribute to our understanding of GBS pathogenesis.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology pathophysiology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs vaccines
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-5
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Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
SIENA
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.