An inside-out approach to muscosal vaccination: MAdCAM targeting [ 2004 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Andrew Lew (Principal investigator)

Brief description The mucosal surfaces are the entry site for many pathogens (eg. cholera, rotaviruses, helicobacter, SARS and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infections). The ideal vaccine would elicit both systemic and mucosal immune response, enhancing immunity at this first line of defence. The oral route has formidable barriers to antigen uptake such as digestive enzymes, commensal microbes, mucous layers and gastric acid. Our strategy targets the vascular addressin found in immune tissues of the gut (called MAdCAM) so that the vaccine is linked to an antibody against MAdCAM. Thus for the first time we believe that a parenteral vaccine ie. injected im or iv (bypassing the oral barriers) can induce mucosal immunity.

Funding Amount $AUD 174,250.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Development Grants

Notes Development Grant