Tackling Emerging Co-Infections
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Humans are continuously exposed to multiple pathogens yet, with the exception of a few well defined coinfection scenarios (HIV and tuberculosis for example), relatively little is known about the impact of co-infections on morbidity and mortality. There is growing evidence indicating that co-infections are common, exacerbate disease severity and can considerably worsen outcome (Influenza or COVID-19 associated Aspergillus infection for example). Co-infections with drug-resistant pathogens have shown to add another layer of complexity with high case-fatality rates. Our aim is to integrate and exploit the expertise of four Centres that are tackling the major pathogen groups [viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites] to promote UK-wide research on the pathophysiological impact and mechanistic basis of disease in co-infections.
Technical Summary
Humans are continuously exposed to multiple pathogens yet, with the exception of a few well defined coinfection scenarios (HIV and tuberculosis for example), relatively little is known about the impact of co-infections on morbidity and mortality. There is growing evidence indicating that co-infections are common, exacerbate disease severity and can considerably worsen outcome (Influenza or COVID-19 associated Aspergillus infection for example). Co-infections with drug-resistant pathogens have shown to add another layer of complexity with high case-fatality rates. Our aim is to integrate and exploit the expertise of four Centres that are tackling the major pathogen groups [viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites] to promote UK-wide research on the pathophysiological impact and mechanistic basis of disease in co-infections.
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY OF EXETER (Lead Research Organisation)
- Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) (Collaboration)
- UZ Leuven, Belgium (Collaboration)
- University of Manchester (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW (Collaboration)
- UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY (Collaboration)
- ST GEORGE'S UNIVERSITY OF LONDON (Collaboration)
- University of Cape Town (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF EXETER (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Gordon Brown (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Perona-Wright G
(2022)
Lessons from helminths: what worms have taught us about mucosal immunology.
in Mucosal immunology
| Description | GILEAD Aspergillosis Update Meeting |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
| Impact | Under development |
| Description | Top Ten Mycology papers of 2023: British Thoracic Society |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Impact | Top Ten Mycology papers of 2023: British Thoracic Society |
| URL | https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/media/rtkfencl/bts-winter-meeting-2023-final-programme-thorax-suppl... |
| Description | A human receptor screening resource for host-pathogen interactions |
| Amount | £547,787 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/X019705/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 08/2026 |
| Description | Dectin-1-mediated suppression of protective anti-mycobacterial immunity |
| Amount | £607,922 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/W025779/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2022 |
| End | 08/2025 |
| Description | Effectors of tissue invasion in Aspergillus fumigatus, the major fungal pathogen of human lungs |
| Amount | £325,991 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/S001824/2 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2020 |
| End | 09/2023 |
| Description | MRC CMM Doctoral Training Programme Grant |
| Amount | £1,563,259 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MR/W502649/1 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2021 |
| End | 06/2026 |
| Description | MRC CiC - Extending the utility and durability of life-saving anti-mould drugs |
| Amount | £25,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2022 |
| End | 03/2023 |
| Description | NC3Rs project grant |
| Amount | £700,851 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NC/X000362/1 |
| Organisation | National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2023 |
| End | 01/2026 |
| Description | Tackling Emerging Co-Infections |
| Amount | £250,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | MC_PC_21021 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2022 |
| End | 12/2023 |
| Description | Theresa Wacker, Hugh Gifford and Jamie Harrison: Co-founding of the UoE Bioinformatics Network (bioinform@exe) |
| Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Exeter |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2023 |
| End | 01/2024 |
| Title | CRISPR mediated PyrG deletion strategy in A. fumigatus |
| Description | We have previously developed an in vitro infection assay in which host responses to different fungal morphotypes can be assayed by exposing dormant spores of Af A1160?pyrG (uridine/uracil auxotroph) to media containing uridine/uracil for 3 (swollen spores) or 6 hours (germilings). The first task of our project was to generate a protocol to carry out a targeted deletion of the pyrG gene in A. fumigatus null mutants in surface proteins and secreted proteases obtained from the COFUN library using CRISPR/Cas9. We first carried out a fusion PCR where the phle (phleomycin) selective marker cassette is amplified from a plasmid to introduce generic linkers that would allow fusion to pyrG locus. During transformation, a CRISPR/Cas9guideRNA targeting the PyrG allows for a double break in the PyRG locus that is replaced by phle selective cassette. After two rounds of purification in selective media, we designed two diagnostic PCR. If pyrG is interrupted and replaced by the cassette, the amplified upstream fragment should show a band around 1.4 kb. In addition, if the cassette is replaced, a second diagnostic PCR should show a band of 3.5 Kb compared to 1.5 Kb in the parental strain. Confirmation of the mutants is then carried out by phenotypic analyses in media containing uridine/uracil + phleomycin and uridine/uracil + hygromycin to confirm purity of the COFUN library. Using this approach, we have been able to generate 15/20 mutants. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | None yet |
| Title | Coinfection model of RSV and Aspergillus fumigatus infection |
| Description | Bronchial airway epithelial cells (AECs) were obtained from Epithelix SARL (Geneva, Switzerland) and maintained in air-liquid interphase cultures. For infection experiments, apical poles were infected with of RSV-A2 (ATCC). Superinfection was performed in RSV-A2 infected cells at 48 h post-infection, with apical inoculation of Aspergillus fumigatus spores (A1160p+, deletion mutants or 3h A1160 PyrG- arrested stages) . Samples were collected from apical washes at 24 h post-infection. RSV replication was then quantified using plaque assayS. Aspergillus fumigatus spores significantly increased RSV replication during infection of differentiated airway epithelial cells from healthy donors (p<0.05). A strongest phenotype was observed when cells were coinfected with RSC and A.fumigatus swollen spores (3 h arrested stage, A1160 PyrG-). RSV titres in culture supernatants of differentiated airway epithelial cells coinfected with A. fumigatus were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than RSV infection alone regardless of the donor phenotype. A. fumigatus gene knock out strains in proteins expressed in the conidia surface are regulators of RSV replication. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | None yet |
| Title | Coinfection model of airway epithelial cells |
| Description | RSV-A2 was sourced from ATCC and a low passage, high titre stock has been generated with sufficient volume to perform all of the necessary experiments. 4 batches of cells were purchased from a commercial vendor, Epithelix. These include cells that had been derived from the bronchi of donors who were: healthy, a smoker, a sufferer of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a person with cystic fibrosis (CF). All of these cells were successfully passaged and their volumes amplified. At time of writing, the healthy, smoker, and COPD-derived cells have all successfully differentiated and will be infected with RSV-A2 in the next week or so. Enough material has been generated and suitably stored to cover the scope of this project and beyond. The CF-derived cells have only partially differentiated and as such are considered unsuitable for purpose. KD will source a replacement batch of CF cells and attempt to differentiate them. While this is occurring, KD will perform initial characterisation of RSV-A2 replication in these tissue as well as beginning differentiation (a 6 week process from beginning of culturing to infection experiments) of the healthy, smoker, and COPD tissues before moving with the coinfection with the A. fumgiatus strains already generated. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | None yet |
| Description | A new research consortium established for rodent models of post-viral invasive aspergillosis |
| Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | A new research consortium established for rodent models of post-viral invasive aspergillosis. A multicentre consortium was established to study the mechanistic basis of post-viral fungal lung infection. The consortium includes researchers from the Centre for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter, Centre for Virus Research at University of Glasgow, Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection at Imperial College London, St Georges University London, Department of Science and Technology Laboratories at Porton Down. The aim of the project is collaborative design and implementation of rodent models of fungal viral co-infection. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative design and implementation of rodent models of fungal viral co-infection |
| Impact | New protocols for Home Office Project Licences Consortium publications in preparation currently |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | A new research consortium established for rodent models of post-viral invasive aspergillosis |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | A new research consortium established for rodent models of post-viral invasive aspergillosis. A multicentre consortium was established to study the mechanistic basis of post-viral fungal lung infection. The consortium includes researchers from the Centre for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter, Centre for Virus Research at University of Glasgow, Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection at Imperial College London, St Georges University London, Department of Science and Technology Laboratories at Porton Down. The aim of the project is collaborative design and implementation of rodent models of fungal viral co-infection. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative design and implementation of rodent models of fungal viral co-infection |
| Impact | New protocols for Home Office Project Licences Consortium publications in preparation currently |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | A new research consortium established for rodent models of post-viral invasive aspergillosis |
| Organisation | St George's University of London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | A new research consortium established for rodent models of post-viral invasive aspergillosis. A multicentre consortium was established to study the mechanistic basis of post-viral fungal lung infection. The consortium includes researchers from the Centre for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter, Centre for Virus Research at University of Glasgow, Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection at Imperial College London, St Georges University London, Department of Science and Technology Laboratories at Porton Down. The aim of the project is collaborative design and implementation of rodent models of fungal viral co-infection. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative design and implementation of rodent models of fungal viral co-infection |
| Impact | New protocols for Home Office Project Licences Consortium publications in preparation currently |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | A new research consortium established for rodent models of post-viral invasive aspergillosis |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Department | MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | A new research consortium established for rodent models of post-viral invasive aspergillosis. A multicentre consortium was established to study the mechanistic basis of post-viral fungal lung infection. The consortium includes researchers from the Centre for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter, Centre for Virus Research at University of Glasgow, Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection at Imperial College London, St Georges University London, Department of Science and Technology Laboratories at Porton Down. The aim of the project is collaborative design and implementation of rodent models of fungal viral co-infection. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative design and implementation of rodent models of fungal viral co-infection |
| Impact | New protocols for Home Office Project Licences Consortium publications in preparation currently |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Aran Singanayagam (Project Lead, CMBI, Imperial College London) - Rhys Farrer & Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Aran Singanayagam (Project Lead, CMBI, Imperial College London) - Rhys Farrer & Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter), within the Co-Infections network project: Airway mycobiota regulation of viral exacerbation pathogenesis in asthma |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on the project 'Airway mycobiota regulation of viral exacerbation pathogenesis in asthma' |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Aran Singanayagam (Project Lead, CMBI, Imperial College London) - Rhys Farrer & Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) |
| Organisation | University of Exeter |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Aran Singanayagam (Project Lead, CMBI, Imperial College London) - Rhys Farrer & Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter), within the Co-Infections network project: Airway mycobiota regulation of viral exacerbation pathogenesis in asthma |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on the project 'Airway mycobiota regulation of viral exacerbation pathogenesis in asthma' |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Elaine Bignell (Project Lead, CMM, University of Exeter) - Massimo Palmarini & Vanessa Herder (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) - Darius Armstrong-James (CMBI, Imperial College London) - Simon Funnell (UK Health Security Agency) |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Elaine Bignell (Project Lead, CMM, University of Exeter) - Massimo Palmarini & Vanessa Herder (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) - Darius Armstrong-James (CMBI, Imperial College London) - Simon Funnell (UK Health Security Agency), on the MRC Co-infections Network project: 'Comparative analysis of post-viral fungal pneumonia in influenza and SARS-Cov2 infected rodents' |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on the project: 'Comparative analysis of post-viral fungal pneumonia in influenza and SARS-Cov2 infected rodents' |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Elaine Bignell (Project Lead, CMM, University of Exeter) - Massimo Palmarini & Vanessa Herder (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) - Darius Armstrong-James (CMBI, Imperial College London) - Simon Funnell (UK Health Security Agency) |
| Organisation | UK Health Security Agency |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Elaine Bignell (Project Lead, CMM, University of Exeter) - Massimo Palmarini & Vanessa Herder (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) - Darius Armstrong-James (CMBI, Imperial College London) - Simon Funnell (UK Health Security Agency), on the MRC Co-infections Network project: 'Comparative analysis of post-viral fungal pneumonia in influenza and SARS-Cov2 infected rodents' |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on the project: 'Comparative analysis of post-viral fungal pneumonia in influenza and SARS-Cov2 infected rodents' |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Elaine Bignell (Project Lead, CMM, University of Exeter) - Massimo Palmarini & Vanessa Herder (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) - Darius Armstrong-James (CMBI, Imperial College London) - Simon Funnell (UK Health Security Agency) |
| Organisation | University of Exeter |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Elaine Bignell (Project Lead, CMM, University of Exeter) - Massimo Palmarini & Vanessa Herder (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) - Darius Armstrong-James (CMBI, Imperial College London) - Simon Funnell (UK Health Security Agency), on the MRC Co-infections Network project: 'Comparative analysis of post-viral fungal pneumonia in influenza and SARS-Cov2 infected rodents' |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on the project: 'Comparative analysis of post-viral fungal pneumonia in influenza and SARS-Cov2 infected rodents' |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Elaine Bignell (Project Lead, CMM, University of Exeter) - Massimo Palmarini & Vanessa Herder (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) - Darius Armstrong-James (CMBI, Imperial College London) - Simon Funnell (UK Health Security Agency) |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Elaine Bignell (Project Lead, CMM, University of Exeter) - Massimo Palmarini & Vanessa Herder (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) - Darius Armstrong-James (CMBI, Imperial College London) - Simon Funnell (UK Health Security Agency), on the MRC Co-infections Network project: 'Comparative analysis of post-viral fungal pneumonia in influenza and SARS-Cov2 infected rodents' |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on the project: 'Comparative analysis of post-viral fungal pneumonia in influenza and SARS-Cov2 infected rodents' |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Georgia Perona-Wright (Project Lead, WCIP, University of Glasgow) - Suzannah Rihn (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Simon Babayan (Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (BAHCM), University of Glasgow) |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Georgia Perona-Wright (Project Lead, WCIP, University of Glasgow) - Suzannah Rihn (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Simon Babayan (Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (BAHCM), University of Glasgow) within the MRC Co-Infections Network to work on the project 'The impact of metabolism on co-infection immunity'. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on the project 'The impact of metabolism on co-infection immunity' |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Sara Gago (MFIG, Univeristy of Manchester) Dr Gloria Lopez-Castejon and Lydia Tabernero (Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research (MCCIR)) |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Department | Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research (MCCIR) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration with Dr Gloria Lopez-Castejon and Lydia Tabernero from the Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research (MCCIR): we have successfully recruited a PhD student under the University of Manchester *STAR programme in collaboration with the University of Singapore. |
| Collaborator Contribution | In this project we will explore the role of P2X receptors in the macrophage response against respiratory pathogens (fungi, viruses and bacteria). |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Collaboration Sara Gago (MFIG, Univeristy of Manchester) with Joanna Duarta da Rocha Pereira (UZ Leuven, BE) |
| Organisation | UZ Leuven, Belgium |
| Country | Belgium |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | Dr Rocha Pereira is developing a model of Influenza associated pulmonary aspergillosis in zebra fish. |
| Collaborator Contribution | One of the main issues with these models relies on the use of optimal fluorescent reporters that are quite limited in Aspergillus fumigatus. We have developed a turquoise flagged Aspergillus fumigatus strains that allowed us to simultaneously image Influenza viruses, Aspergillus fumigatus and Zebra Fish immune cells during coinfection. |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Collaboration Sara Gago (Project Lead, University of Manchester) - Kieran Dee (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) |
| Organisation | University of Exeter |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Sara Gago (Project Lead, University of Manchester) - Kieran Dee (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) within the MRC Co-Infections Network on the project: 'Identifying the impact of fungal exposure in no-influenza virus pathogenicity'. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on teh project 'Identifying the impact of fungal exposure in no-influenza virus pathogenicity'. |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Sara Gago (Project Lead, University of Manchester) - Kieran Dee (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Sara Gago (Project Lead, University of Manchester) - Kieran Dee (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) within the MRC Co-Infections Network on the project: 'Identifying the impact of fungal exposure in no-influenza virus pathogenicity'. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on teh project 'Identifying the impact of fungal exposure in no-influenza virus pathogenicity'. |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration Sara Gago (Project Lead, University of Manchester) - Kieran Dee (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration Sara Gago (Project Lead, University of Manchester) - Kieran Dee (CVR, University of Glasgow) - Peter Cook (CMM, University of Exeter) within the MRC Co-Infections Network on the project: 'Identifying the impact of fungal exposure in no-influenza virus pathogenicity'. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work on teh project 'Identifying the impact of fungal exposure in no-influenza virus pathogenicity'. |
| Impact | none yet |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration with Claire Hoving University of Cape town |
| Organisation | University of Cape Town |
| Country | South Africa |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The Hoving Team are CO-I on the grant |
| Collaborator Contribution | The Hoving Team are CO-I on the grant |
| Impact | This collaboration led this the award |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Glasgow Centre for Virus Research |
| Organisation | University of Glasgow |
| Department | MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | A collaboration to employ spatial transcriptomic and cytometric analysis to fungal/virus co-infected tissues. UoE/ICL supplied mouse tissue. CVR supplied tissue analyses. |
| Collaborator Contribution | A collaboration to employ spatial transcriptomic and cytometric analysis to fungal/virus co-infected tissues. UoE/ICL supplied mouse tissue. CVR supplied tissue analyses. |
| Impact | Ongoing, but manuscript in preparation |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Rhys Farrer's research collaboration with Fabrizio Costa (University of Exeter) |
| Organisation | University of Exeter |
| Department | School of Physics |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Rhys Farrer's research collaboration with Fabrizio Costa (Senior Lecturer in Data Analytics at the University of Exeter). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Drs Farrer and Costa have co-submitted an IDSAI Seed-Corn Funding application (tbc). |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Sara Gago: collaboration with Joost Wauters at UZ Leuven, Belgium |
| Organisation | UZ Leuven, Belgium |
| Country | Belgium |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | Research work in the project: Identifying the impact of fungal exposure in no-influenza virus pathogenicity |
| Collaborator Contribution | Research work in the project: Identifying the impact of fungal exposure in no-influenza virus pathogenicity |
| Impact | Collaboration with Joost Wauters: In this Co-infections project by Gago et al. we aim to identify specific fungal factors contributing to RSV pathogenesis in at risk patients but we do not know whether those fungal factors might be important for pathogenesis during coinfection with Influenza virus. Dr Joost Wauters at UZ Leuven is developing a zebra fish model of Influenza-A. fumigatus coinfection and, if any A. fumigatus contributing to RSV pathogenesis are identified by the end of this project, we will explore the role of those fungal proteins in their current infection models and, apply for additional funding. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Appeared on BBC Radio (Paul Shuttleworth Radio Shropshire) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Elaine Bignell appeared on BBC Radio (Paul Shuttleworth) to discuss fungal lung infections. //www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0f08k1c (1:15:34) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0f08k1 |
| Description | Daniel Conn: Poster presentation at KeyStone Symposium: Fungal Pathogens: Emerging Threats and Future Challenges, Feb 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Daniel Conn: Poster presentation at KeyStone Symposium: Fungal Pathogens: Emerging Threats and Future Challenges, Feb 2024. Poster title: Aspergillus fumigatus spore surface protein motifs driving allergic inflammation. Authors: Daniel Conn, George Vere, Julio Silva, Tuyen Nguyen, Norman van Rhijn, Olaf Kniemeyer, Alexiane Decout, Gordon Brown, Sara Gago, Michael Bromley, Peter Cook. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Elaine Bignell: talk during the British Science Festival 2023, Exeter, Sept 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Elaine Bignell: talk during the British Science Festival 2023, Exeter, Sept 2023, titled "From Bug to Drug". |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://britishsciencefestival.org/event/from-bug-to-drug/ |
| Description | Gordon Brown and MRC Centre: UK Fungus Day Open doors event at the MRC CMM and University of Exeter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | On the 8th October 2022, the MRC CMM celebrated UK Fungus Day by opening its doors to the general public and families who wanted to come and see Labs, learn more about fungi and our research and participated in a series of games and activities aiming at all ages and that helped educate the public on the research conducted at the Centre. Over 150 visitors came on the day with a very positive feedback received during/after the event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/medicalmycology/news/articles/ukfungusday2022-thecmmcel.html |
| Description | Imperial College London Network of excellence in Fungal Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I lead the Imperial Fungal Science Network comprising 130 members globally. We hold scientific symposia 2-4 times a year which are hybrid events open to public and schools and usually attracting around 90 attendees overall. We also do schools outreach and act as a scientific forum primarily for London mycology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022,2023,2024 |
| URL | https://www.imperial.ac.uk/fungal-science-network/ |
| Description | Invited Lecture |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Invited Lecture ay WWIEM Queens University Belfast |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Invited Seminar |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | BSI Greater Manchester Immunology Group's Seminar Series |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Killer Fungus activity as part of the British Science Festival 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The MRC Centre organised and ran the Killer Fungus activity as part of the British Science Festival 2023, in Exeter on the 8th Sept 2023. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://britishsciencefestival.org/event/killer-fungus/ |
| Description | Larissa John: poster presentation at Candida and Candidiasis 2023 conference, Canada, May 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Larissa John: poster presentation at Candida and Candidiasis 2023 conference, Canada, May 2023, titled "Heightened efficacy of anidulafungin when used in combination with manogepix or 5-flucytosine against Candida auris in vitro". Authors: Larissa L. H. John, Darren D. Thomson, Alistair J. P. Brown, Tihana Bicanic, Thomas S. Harrison, Elaine Bignell |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://microbiologysociety.org/event/full-events-listing/candida-and-candidiasis-2023.html |
| Description | MRC CMM Biennial Review Meeting, Exeter, 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | On the 31st August and 1st September 2023, the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM) successfully held his Biennial Review meeting, first one celebrated since the Centre relocated to Exeter in 2019. Senior University representatives plus members of the International Scientific Advisory Board (ISAB) [formed by Profs Geraldine Butler (University College Dublin, Chair), Axel Brakhage (Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology), Sarah Gaffen (University of Pittsburgh), Joseph Heitman (Duke University), and David Perlin (Hackensack Meridian Health Centre for Discovery and Innovation)] were present and assessed the scientific performance and reviewed achievements of the Centre over the period 2019-2023. The ISAB in their post-meeting report highlighted the establishment of the MRC CMM as a world-leading centre of excellence in medical mycology, its outstanding training programme, excellent management structure, the Centre's scientific focus expansion in both depth and breadth, its large international network, research outputs and its an outstanding and exceptional outreach and communications strategy. They also provided recommendations to the Centre Directorate and Governing Board. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/medicalmycology/ |
| Description | National Workshop on Co-infections - 28 March 2022 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This MRC-funded workshop on co-infections aimed to identify the challenges, scientific priorities and opportunities for research going forward. Following this workshop there was a national call for projects, which provided seed-corn funding to facilitate new research collaborations between our Research Centres and the UK-wide community in the area of co-infections. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/medicalmycology/co-infections/ |
| Description | Orlando Ross: poster presentation at Mathematics in Life Sciences meeting, March 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | MRC CMM student Orlando Ross delivered a poster presentation at the Mathematics in Life Sciences meeting, March 2023, Exeter, with the titled 'Growing Together: Fungal-bacterial biofilms'. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Public lecture |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to speak at the Royal Scottish Society for the Arts, as part of their ongoing lectures series. We discussed vaccines, vaccine engagement, and likel vaccine breakthroughs in upcoming years. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Rhys Farrer: poster presentation at 21st Fungal Genetics Conference in California |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | MRC CMM member Rhys Farrer presented a poster at the 21st Fungal Genetics Conference in California |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | SKY News online interview |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Elaine Bignell gave an interview for SKY News: The Last Of Us: The science behind the real 'zombie' fungus - and is it an actual threat? | Science & Tech News | Sky News |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://news.sky.com/story/the-last-of-us-the-science-behind-the-real-zombie-fungus-and-is-it-an-act... |
| Description | Sara Gago: Poster Presentation at the Advances Against Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis 2024 conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Poster Presentation. Advances Against Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis 2024, Milano, Italy. January 2024. Identifying the impact of Aspergillus fumigatus in no-influenza virus pathogenicity by Dee K, Valero C, van Rhinj N, Cook P, Gago S. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Sara Gago: Poster Presentation at the British Mycological Society Annual Meeting, September 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Poster Presentation. British Mycological Society Annual Meeting, September 2023. How does Aspergillus fumigatus suvert the lung defences during viral infection? Earle K, Dancer P, Pickard A, Kadler K, Valero C, van Rhinj N, Bromley M, Swartz JM, Love M, Zelante T, Bertuzzi M, Gago S. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.britmycolsoc.org.uk/resources/events/asm |
| Description | Sara Gago: participation at the Antimicrobial Research Manchester showcase |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | We participated in the Antimicrobial Research Manchester showcase. We used this forum to present our coinfection models and discuss possible avenues of collaboration with other researchers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Sara Gago: participation at the Lancashire Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | As a member of the Manchester Fungal Infection Group we delivered a two-day exhibition during the Lancashire Science Festival. This outreach activity was targeted to school children and families and they had the opportunity to learn about our research as well as antimicrobial resistance. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://sciencefestivals.uk/festivals/lancashire-science-festival-3/ |
| Description | Session Chair |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Gordon Research Conference on the Immunology of Fungal Infections. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.grc.org/immunology-of-fungal-infections-conference/2023/ |
| Description | The Evening Standard (A Podcast) Tech & Science Daily podcast: The Last of Us secrets revealed |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Elaine Bignell recorded a podcast for the Evening Standard discussing the Last of Us. The Evening Standard (A Podcast) Tech & Science Daily podcast: The Last of Us secrets revealed | Evening Standard |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.standard.co.uk/tech/the-last-of-us-secrets-revealed-b1059439.html |
| Description | UK Fungus Day Open doors event at the MRC CMM, Exeter, Oct 2023 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | National UK Fungus Day open-doors event at the MRC CMM, Exeter, Oct 2023, organised by Mark Ramsdale. Coordination of 35 forays from Grampian to Cornwall across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; gallery exhibitions and local fungus themed festivals with British Mycological Societe and related communities eg Britsh Lichen Society. Curation of UKFD website including quizzes; fungus facts information and blogs. Creation of Fungus Facts card game. Blogs and tweet; National Photographic competition. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.ukfungusday.co.uk/ |