Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BactiVax (anti-Bacterial Innovative Vaccine Training Network.)
Período documentado: 2019-10-01 hasta 2021-09-30
BactiVax was created to address the societal challenge caused by the emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens, with a focus on dealing with pathogens causing chronic, life-threating respiratory and systemic infections. The research undertaken by the consortium targets a series of ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp.) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which are the main cause of hospital-acquired infections globally and are highly-resistant to almost all currently used antimicrobials. The premise of BactiVax is that vaccination against these pathogens will prevent infections and reduce their spread significantly. In order to design vaccines effectively, the project has four key objectives, illustrated through work packages (WP):
1. To identify novel, protective vaccine antigens against target pathogens (WP1).
2. To optimise the host response to the vaccines (WP2).
3. To optimise vaccine delivery (WP3).
4. To lead on vaccine advocacy (WP4).
First and foremost, BactiVax is a research training programme that aims to provide first-class training in vaccinology to the next generation of vaccine researchers, and equip them with a broad range of skills for thriving careers within academia or industry. For this, the consortium has recruited 15 excellent Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), whose training is well under way and includes a blend of research training, industrial secondments and courses to instil essential non-transferrable skills such as creativity, entrepreneurship, communication and management competencies (WP5).
1. To identify novel, protective vaccine antigens against target pathogens (WP1).
2. To optimise the host response to the vaccines (WP2).
3. To optimise vaccine delivery (WP3).
4. To lead on vaccine advocacy (WP4).
First and foremost, BactiVax is a research training programme that aims to provide first-class training in vaccinology to the next generation of vaccine researchers, and equip them with a broad range of skills for thriving careers within academia or industry. For this, the consortium has recruited 15 excellent Early Stage Researchers (ESRs), whose training is well under way and includes a blend of research training, industrial secondments and courses to instil essential non-transferrable skills such as creativity, entrepreneurship, communication and management competencies (WP5).
Significant progress has been made towards the achievement of all consortium objectives (image attached):
1. Novel antigens have been identified, purified, cloned and characterised against ESKAPE pathogens (WP1).
2. State-of-the-art methodologies such as NMR, cryo-EM, molecular modelling, bioinformatics, etc. were successfully employed to study epitope-receptor interaction and identify new adjuvants (WP2).
3. High-throughput methodologies to synthesize and screen peptide libraries have been developed and implemented to identify novel vaccine antigens and adjuvants (WP3).
4. Vaccine advocacy initiatives have been planned and completed at the consortium level and individually by ESRs (WP4). Specifically, the consortium has run three social media information campaigns to mark World Immunisation Week and has produced a video for European Researchers’ Night 2020 (Working together to discover new vaccines, YouTube). ESRs are actively involved in informing the public about immunisation and the importance of vaccine research through multiple initiatives, such as school visits (Public High School of Ignacy Jan Paderewski - Wałbrzych, Poland), public talks (Soapbox Science Munich, Futuro Remoto Naples, European Researchers’ Night - Milan and Naples) and festivals (ESB Science Blast - Dublin, Ireland).
5. Seven consortium-wide training activities were completed (WP5) during the reporting period, with all ESRs in attendance. Additionally, ESRs participated in numerous training sessions relevant to their projects and careers, held locally in host institutions.
6. Nine peer-reviewed publications were published in scientific journals.
7. Potentially exploitable results are being monitored and IP protection will be sought to enable their translation and commercialisation.
Additionally, the consortium is effectively managed by the Coordinator, Project Manager and six committees: Supervisory Board, Recruitment & Training, Communication & Public Engagement, Research Coordination, Exploitation, and ESR Committee. Reporting activities are also on track, with 26 deliverables submitted to the European Commission.
1. Novel antigens have been identified, purified, cloned and characterised against ESKAPE pathogens (WP1).
2. State-of-the-art methodologies such as NMR, cryo-EM, molecular modelling, bioinformatics, etc. were successfully employed to study epitope-receptor interaction and identify new adjuvants (WP2).
3. High-throughput methodologies to synthesize and screen peptide libraries have been developed and implemented to identify novel vaccine antigens and adjuvants (WP3).
4. Vaccine advocacy initiatives have been planned and completed at the consortium level and individually by ESRs (WP4). Specifically, the consortium has run three social media information campaigns to mark World Immunisation Week and has produced a video for European Researchers’ Night 2020 (Working together to discover new vaccines, YouTube). ESRs are actively involved in informing the public about immunisation and the importance of vaccine research through multiple initiatives, such as school visits (Public High School of Ignacy Jan Paderewski - Wałbrzych, Poland), public talks (Soapbox Science Munich, Futuro Remoto Naples, European Researchers’ Night - Milan and Naples) and festivals (ESB Science Blast - Dublin, Ireland).
5. Seven consortium-wide training activities were completed (WP5) during the reporting period, with all ESRs in attendance. Additionally, ESRs participated in numerous training sessions relevant to their projects and careers, held locally in host institutions.
6. Nine peer-reviewed publications were published in scientific journals.
7. Potentially exploitable results are being monitored and IP protection will be sought to enable their translation and commercialisation.
Additionally, the consortium is effectively managed by the Coordinator, Project Manager and six committees: Supervisory Board, Recruitment & Training, Communication & Public Engagement, Research Coordination, Exploitation, and ESR Committee. Reporting activities are also on track, with 26 deliverables submitted to the European Commission.
The expected impact of BactiVax is to tackle the societal challenge caused by the emergence of AMR human pathogens and bring significant impact on dealing especially with pathogens causing chronic, life-threatening respiratory and systemic infections. This is based on the hypothesis that vaccination against AMR pathogens such as ESKAPE and Mtb prevents AMR-related infections and reduces the spread of these pathogens.
Individual projects are focusing on identifying a series of novel vaccine antigens (WP1) that will effectively prevent AMR infections, contributing to reduce the spread of drug resistance. BactiVax is also focusing on developing therapeutic vaccines, that can help clearing existing chronic infections, such as multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
Through WP2, the project aims to increase knowledge on the immune response and exploit it to develop improved adjuvants (Toll-Like Receptors agonists are currently under development in the consortium). These adjuvants are designed to have specific activity on innate immunity mechanisms, improved efficacy and reduced site effects. New methodologies are also being developed to study molecular recognition processes and host responses.
For vaccine delivery, improved nanoparticle systems optimised for mucosal delivery are being explored (WP3). Functionalisation of nanocarriers with adjuvants, antigens or synthetic peptides identified and characterised within the consortium can enhance cell-specific targeting and ensure optimal protective responses. To date, strategies such as establishing new synthetic routes to conjugate receptor-binding ligands/peptides to the surface of polymeric nanocarriers, or developing fusion proteins for surface coating have been pursued.
The action also impacts the researchers recruited by the consortium. The comprehensive training in vaccinology and the non-academic sectoral training, provided by BactiVax and informed by ESRs’ career development plans, will equip them with an excellent mix of research, innovation and transferable skills. All recruited researchers are hosted in cutting-edge laboratories and enrolled in structured PhD training programmes, which include transferrable skills and a Careers Research Framework. To complement local training, consortium-wide training activities are also completed according to the schedule, with workshops of Open Data, FAIR Principles, Data Management, Creativity, Innovation and Intellectual Property, etc.
The impact also extends over the participating institutions. The ability to attract a high number of applications from high-calibre international candidates and to hire exceptional ESRs is of primary significance. The cross-national and cross-sectorial collaborations positively impact the reputation and growth of individual labs, and strengthen the profile of host organisations. The workshops and symposia organised so far gave ESRs the opportunity to interact with senior researchers and members of the participating groups, enhancing the diversity of their experiences and opening the door for future partnerships.
By training excellent ESRs in vaccinology and vaccine development, BactiVax positively contributes to Europe’s leadership as the major vaccine global research and development hub. The project has attracted valuable candidates from across the globe, and is facilitating collaborations which strengthen the European research area. Further scientific advances brought by our research will sustain the innovation and development of the European vaccine industry, and the multidisciplinary training of highly-skilled graduates will increase vaccine know-how.
Individual projects are focusing on identifying a series of novel vaccine antigens (WP1) that will effectively prevent AMR infections, contributing to reduce the spread of drug resistance. BactiVax is also focusing on developing therapeutic vaccines, that can help clearing existing chronic infections, such as multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
Through WP2, the project aims to increase knowledge on the immune response and exploit it to develop improved adjuvants (Toll-Like Receptors agonists are currently under development in the consortium). These adjuvants are designed to have specific activity on innate immunity mechanisms, improved efficacy and reduced site effects. New methodologies are also being developed to study molecular recognition processes and host responses.
For vaccine delivery, improved nanoparticle systems optimised for mucosal delivery are being explored (WP3). Functionalisation of nanocarriers with adjuvants, antigens or synthetic peptides identified and characterised within the consortium can enhance cell-specific targeting and ensure optimal protective responses. To date, strategies such as establishing new synthetic routes to conjugate receptor-binding ligands/peptides to the surface of polymeric nanocarriers, or developing fusion proteins for surface coating have been pursued.
The action also impacts the researchers recruited by the consortium. The comprehensive training in vaccinology and the non-academic sectoral training, provided by BactiVax and informed by ESRs’ career development plans, will equip them with an excellent mix of research, innovation and transferable skills. All recruited researchers are hosted in cutting-edge laboratories and enrolled in structured PhD training programmes, which include transferrable skills and a Careers Research Framework. To complement local training, consortium-wide training activities are also completed according to the schedule, with workshops of Open Data, FAIR Principles, Data Management, Creativity, Innovation and Intellectual Property, etc.
The impact also extends over the participating institutions. The ability to attract a high number of applications from high-calibre international candidates and to hire exceptional ESRs is of primary significance. The cross-national and cross-sectorial collaborations positively impact the reputation and growth of individual labs, and strengthen the profile of host organisations. The workshops and symposia organised so far gave ESRs the opportunity to interact with senior researchers and members of the participating groups, enhancing the diversity of their experiences and opening the door for future partnerships.
By training excellent ESRs in vaccinology and vaccine development, BactiVax positively contributes to Europe’s leadership as the major vaccine global research and development hub. The project has attracted valuable candidates from across the globe, and is facilitating collaborations which strengthen the European research area. Further scientific advances brought by our research will sustain the innovation and development of the European vaccine industry, and the multidisciplinary training of highly-skilled graduates will increase vaccine know-how.