STREPVACCINES · Characterization of streptococcal vaccine antigens
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2005-09-01 → 2009-08-31
- EU contribution
- €591,159
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- TOK
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - STREPVACCINES (Characterisation of streptococcal vaccine antigens)
The objective of this project was to recruit four researchers from European centres with expertise in the biology and genetics of Gram-positive pathogens to Novartis vaccines in order to contribute to the technology capabilities of the company. Recent projects at Novartis vaccines have aimed at the identification of novel candidate vaccines for diseases caused by the Gram-positive streptococci. While the host centre had extensive knowledge and experience with many Gram-negative pathogens, expertise in the genetic manipulation and biochemical characterisation of streptococci was lacking. Four researchers with appropriate knowledge and expertise were recruited from Norway, France and the United Kingdom. These researchers contributed significantly to the acquisition of the necessary expertise for the study of pathogenic streptococci. The research carried out by these researchers resulted in important data concerning key novel vaccine candidate antigens. One part involved research into the enzymatic activities involved in the structural assembly of important novel protective antigens from 'group B' streptococcus. These antigens were found to be components of pili that are long filamentous structures extending from the surface of the bacteria. A second part resulted in the identification of a protein in human saliva that causes the aggregation 'group A' streptococcus, the bacterium that causes pharyngitis. This protein was found to bind to pili on the surface of the bacteria and to interfere with adhesion to host cells and likely represents the first interaction between the pathogen and the host. A third part concerned the acquisition of new technologies for the analysis of antigen / antibody interactions based on mass spectroscopy. Together these studies led to two major publications in peer reviewed journals. Hence the researchers not only brought new technologies to Novartis vaccines but also contributed to the biological characterisation of potential novel vaccines.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The host institute is the research arm of Chiron Vaccines. Based in Siena, Italy, the host specializes in the research and development of novel vaccines. A genomic approach has been taken at the host institute to identify several novel candidate antigens f or vaccines against the Gram-positive pathogens Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (Group AStreptococcus). The next steps in the program are to take the antigens on the path through development to possible human cli nical evaluation and in parallel to characterize the antigens with respect to structure, function and their mechanism of conferring protection. While the host institute has extensive expertise in pathogenesis and vaccine design against Gram-negative pathog ens, it lacks specific experience in the microbial genetics and pathogenesis of Gram-positive bacteria. This contract aims to address this lack by permitting experienced microbiologists with a background in Gram-positive pathogenesis to carry out cutting e dge research in an active vaccine institute. The resulting transfer of knowledge to the institute is essential to expand the host's activities to a range of pathogens outwith itscurrent expertise. Four experienced researchers (4-10 years postgraduate) will be recruited, each for a two-year period, over a period of three years. The researchers will be recruited from European laboratories with expertise in the field of pathogenesis of Gram-positive bacteria. Europe has a strong background in this area of rese arch and there are many laboratories carrying out high quality research relevant to the project. The transfer of knowledge from the recruited researchers will increase the competitivity of the research of the host and will facilitate the development of new products for commercialization.
Original text from CORDIS.
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union