Construction and immunogenic evaluation of recombinant HBsAg-S virus-like particles containing B and T cell epitopes of [ 2003 - 2004 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Michael Kotiw (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Stuart Hazell ,  Prof Hans Netter ,  Prof Michael Good

Brief description Helicobacter pylori is a significant human pathogen impacting on the health and well being of not only thousands of Australians, but also millions of people world-wide. However, the task of developing a vaccine against H. pylori remains important. Vaccination is the most effective mechanism to prevent disease associated with this infection, particularly gastric cancer, one of the most common causes of cancer death world-wide. However, current attempts to develop an effective vaccine for humans has been limited by the non-availability of an effective and safe adjuvant. The aim is to construct a recombinant Virus-Like Particle which can be used as a safe and effective vaccine against Helicobacter pylori infections. We specifically aim to: ·         determine the most efficacious singular or combinatorial route-s of delivery of Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) which will induce the desired Th2 and B cell responses in mice ·         define the Th2 and B cell epitopes of H.pylori Kat A carboxyl terminus that can be used to construct chimeric HBsAg-S-Kat A VLPs ·         determine if the induction of desired immunological responses in mice are protective against wild type challenge

Funding Amount $AUD 170,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Development Grants

Notes Development Grant