The impact of IFTIM3 genetic variation on Influenza virus infection, immune responses and disease outcome
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: RDM Investigative Medicine
Abstract
Influenza is a global threat. The current avian influenza H7N9 outbreak in China has a high death rate and can transmit from human-to-human. In this study, we will explore how human genetic factors and immune responses influence the severity of the disease. We recently found that people with a particular genetic variant of a gene called IFITM3 are six times more likely to suffer from severe influenza infection than those without (Zhang et al, Nature Communications 2013). This variant gene is very rare in Northern European populations but is common in Chinese people. We found that in 69% of Chinese patients with severe pandemic influenza had only this variant form of IFITM3. This compares to 25% of healthy Chinese individuals.
The IFITM3 protein inhibits the entry of influenza virus into cells; the variant is thought to be unable to do this. One key aim of our project will be to check whether this is true and if so why it lacks this function. If more viruses enter cells the disease may be more severe, but severe influenza is rare in China even though 25% of the population have only this variant of IFITM3. Therefore we suggest that there may be compensating genetic factors snd/or that strong immune responses in people with the variant of IFITM3 protect most of them from severe influenza.
In this study therefore, we will look for other protective genes in Chinese people who have the susceptible IFITM3 gene but who do not get severe influenza. We will also examine their immune responses to the virus and compare those with immune responses to influenza virus in Chinese and UK people who do not carry this gene variant. We will focus particularly on innate immune responses, which are known to be highly active in severe influenza and may actually contribute to the problem. We will also study T cell immune responses, which are specific for the infecting virus and are normally important for rapid viral clearance. Our preliminary data suggest that these T cell responses are more active in Chinese people with the IFITM3 gene variant, which could help compensate for their increased genetic susceptibility to severe infection.
In this way we will gain a better picture of the risk of severe infection in Chinese people, conferred by this gene variant which is very common in the population. It is possible that increased genetic susceptibility in the Chinese helps the spread of influenza virus in South East Asia. We will examine this in the context of the new avian influenza H7N9 threat. We will ask whether this more aggressive virus can override the protection that the common (in Europeans) variant of IFITM3 offers and whether this version of the gene contributes to mild asymptomatic infection which we have previously shown to occur in seasonal, pandemic and avian influenza. Our special links to the infectious disease hospitals You'An and Ditan in Beijing make this unique study possible.
This study addresses important unsolved problems of influenza virus infection, taking a global rather than local view, which is clearly necessary to tackle this threat.
The IFITM3 protein inhibits the entry of influenza virus into cells; the variant is thought to be unable to do this. One key aim of our project will be to check whether this is true and if so why it lacks this function. If more viruses enter cells the disease may be more severe, but severe influenza is rare in China even though 25% of the population have only this variant of IFITM3. Therefore we suggest that there may be compensating genetic factors snd/or that strong immune responses in people with the variant of IFITM3 protect most of them from severe influenza.
In this study therefore, we will look for other protective genes in Chinese people who have the susceptible IFITM3 gene but who do not get severe influenza. We will also examine their immune responses to the virus and compare those with immune responses to influenza virus in Chinese and UK people who do not carry this gene variant. We will focus particularly on innate immune responses, which are known to be highly active in severe influenza and may actually contribute to the problem. We will also study T cell immune responses, which are specific for the infecting virus and are normally important for rapid viral clearance. Our preliminary data suggest that these T cell responses are more active in Chinese people with the IFITM3 gene variant, which could help compensate for their increased genetic susceptibility to severe infection.
In this way we will gain a better picture of the risk of severe infection in Chinese people, conferred by this gene variant which is very common in the population. It is possible that increased genetic susceptibility in the Chinese helps the spread of influenza virus in South East Asia. We will examine this in the context of the new avian influenza H7N9 threat. We will ask whether this more aggressive virus can override the protection that the common (in Europeans) variant of IFITM3 offers and whether this version of the gene contributes to mild asymptomatic infection which we have previously shown to occur in seasonal, pandemic and avian influenza. Our special links to the infectious disease hospitals You'An and Ditan in Beijing make this unique study possible.
This study addresses important unsolved problems of influenza virus infection, taking a global rather than local view, which is clearly necessary to tackle this threat.
Technical Summary
1. The effect of the C variant on IFITM3: virus entry and intracellular location.
We will employ optical microscopy including different fluorescent labeling approaches such as protein-specific antibodies or live-cell tagging technologies such as GFP or SNAP- and HALO-tags. Optical super-resolution microscopes (or nanoscopes), including the STED/RESOLFT or PALM/STORM technologies will enable us to explore the subtle changes in the spatial organization of IFITM3 between variants.
2. IFITM3 genotype impact on innate sensing of influenza A virus and virus entry.
Primary fibroblasts will be grown from skin biopsies. Subsequently, these cells will be infected with IAV. The induction of chemokines and cytokines will be measured by ELISA, bioassays or RT Q-PCR. The accumulation of RIG-I stimulatory RNA in cells of different genotypes will be assessed by RNA extraction from infected cells and re-transfection into RIG-I reporter cells. JR has experience with this approach. In these experiments primary human cells will be used and complemented by human cell lines overexpressing or depleted of IFITM3, as well as IFITM3-deficient mouse fibroblasts.
3. Immune responses in IFITM3 CC/TT patients who do badly compared to those who do well.
a. Trascriptome profiles will be determined using Illumina Human HT-12 V3 Beadchip arrays, which contain more than 48,000 probes. A gene expression analysis software program, Genespring, version 7.1.3 (Agilent), will be used to perform statistical analysis, and hierarchical clustering of samples. A modular analysis strategy will be used as described, enabling the discrimination of clinical groups without reducing the dimensionality of the data.
b. Detailed analysis of influenza specific T cell responses will be performed using overlapping peptides in the ELISPOT assay. In some cases, T cell line and clones will be grown and antiviral efficacy will be evaluated using target cells infected with different viral strains
We will employ optical microscopy including different fluorescent labeling approaches such as protein-specific antibodies or live-cell tagging technologies such as GFP or SNAP- and HALO-tags. Optical super-resolution microscopes (or nanoscopes), including the STED/RESOLFT or PALM/STORM technologies will enable us to explore the subtle changes in the spatial organization of IFITM3 between variants.
2. IFITM3 genotype impact on innate sensing of influenza A virus and virus entry.
Primary fibroblasts will be grown from skin biopsies. Subsequently, these cells will be infected with IAV. The induction of chemokines and cytokines will be measured by ELISA, bioassays or RT Q-PCR. The accumulation of RIG-I stimulatory RNA in cells of different genotypes will be assessed by RNA extraction from infected cells and re-transfection into RIG-I reporter cells. JR has experience with this approach. In these experiments primary human cells will be used and complemented by human cell lines overexpressing or depleted of IFITM3, as well as IFITM3-deficient mouse fibroblasts.
3. Immune responses in IFITM3 CC/TT patients who do badly compared to those who do well.
a. Trascriptome profiles will be determined using Illumina Human HT-12 V3 Beadchip arrays, which contain more than 48,000 probes. A gene expression analysis software program, Genespring, version 7.1.3 (Agilent), will be used to perform statistical analysis, and hierarchical clustering of samples. A modular analysis strategy will be used as described, enabling the discrimination of clinical groups without reducing the dimensionality of the data.
b. Detailed analysis of influenza specific T cell responses will be performed using overlapping peptides in the ELISPOT assay. In some cases, T cell line and clones will be grown and antiviral efficacy will be evaluated using target cells infected with different viral strains
Planned Impact
The likely beneficiaries of this research project will be patients, hospitals, the Health Protection Agency (UK) and the China Centre for Disease Control (China CDC). Vaccine manufacturers will also benefit. Most pandemics and epidemics have originated in South East Asia where farming practices, bird migration patterns and possibly local genetics (the subject of this proposal) may contribute. As influenza, once spreading in humans, rapidly reaches all parts of the world, these factors will impact on the UK. The findings of the proposed study will be important to China and UK residents of Chinese descent if they show that the human genetic factor IFITM3 influences the immune responses to the epidemic, pandemic and novel avian viruses, and consequently the severity of the disease.
Our primary hypothesis is that the risk of severe disease in people with IFITM3 CC genotype can be offset by other genetic factors and/or by improved immune responses. Despite of this, there might be higher incidences of severe influenza in Chinese patients, possibly up to six-fold increase. Furthermore, we hypothesise that subclinical infection will more common in people with the IFITM3 TT genotype, consequently subclinical cases will occur more frequently in the UK than in China. However the influence of the IFTIM3 gene might be different for a virulent avian virus such as the H7N9 virus and this will be determined in this study. Thus we will better understand the factors contributing to disease severity. IFITM3 genotype screening could be utilized for prognosis and guiding early intensification of treatments. Moreover, If the CC genotype carriers possess stronger immune responses, as we propose, they could be prioritised for vaccination. These studies could provide us with crucial information to improve the current vaccine strategies and therapy in different target populations such as in UK and China. Hence, our proposed research could prominently improve quality of life by controlling and preventing life-threatening influenza illness.
The study may also have relevance to vaccination planning. Currently live attenuated vaccines are being given to children. As a live virus vaccine, the IFITM3 genotype could influence the take rate of this vaccine and possibly the incidence of side effects. This is not being tested in this study but once we know more about the role of IFITM3 in influenza virus infection, this could be an important follow on study that would have an important impact on medical practice.
Lastly this study will be a strong UK - China collaboration with significant scientific contributions from both sides. The lead investigator is a Chinese but resident in the UK. She has an honorary joint appointment at the You'an Hospital, Capital University, Beijing and holds grants from Nature Science Foundation China for major international collaboration and is collaborator/partners on many others such as Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology funding for Major International collaboration. The project is covered by a Memorandum of Understanding between the MRC and Beijing Bureu of Science and Tachnology(NJSTB), signed in 2007 by sir Andrew McMichal on behalf of MRC and Director of NJSTB; and between Beijing You'an hospital(BJYA) and MRC Human Immunology Unit(HIU), in 2012 signed by Director HIU Vincenzo Cerundolo and the Director Li of BJYA. Given the importance of influenza, the threat of new pandemics often arising in South East Asia, these very strong links will give the MRC a very strong role in working with China to combat current and future influenza threats. This partnership could be extended to other infectious disease threats, such as a recurrence of SARS, should they arise.
Our primary hypothesis is that the risk of severe disease in people with IFITM3 CC genotype can be offset by other genetic factors and/or by improved immune responses. Despite of this, there might be higher incidences of severe influenza in Chinese patients, possibly up to six-fold increase. Furthermore, we hypothesise that subclinical infection will more common in people with the IFITM3 TT genotype, consequently subclinical cases will occur more frequently in the UK than in China. However the influence of the IFTIM3 gene might be different for a virulent avian virus such as the H7N9 virus and this will be determined in this study. Thus we will better understand the factors contributing to disease severity. IFITM3 genotype screening could be utilized for prognosis and guiding early intensification of treatments. Moreover, If the CC genotype carriers possess stronger immune responses, as we propose, they could be prioritised for vaccination. These studies could provide us with crucial information to improve the current vaccine strategies and therapy in different target populations such as in UK and China. Hence, our proposed research could prominently improve quality of life by controlling and preventing life-threatening influenza illness.
The study may also have relevance to vaccination planning. Currently live attenuated vaccines are being given to children. As a live virus vaccine, the IFITM3 genotype could influence the take rate of this vaccine and possibly the incidence of side effects. This is not being tested in this study but once we know more about the role of IFITM3 in influenza virus infection, this could be an important follow on study that would have an important impact on medical practice.
Lastly this study will be a strong UK - China collaboration with significant scientific contributions from both sides. The lead investigator is a Chinese but resident in the UK. She has an honorary joint appointment at the You'an Hospital, Capital University, Beijing and holds grants from Nature Science Foundation China for major international collaboration and is collaborator/partners on many others such as Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology funding for Major International collaboration. The project is covered by a Memorandum of Understanding between the MRC and Beijing Bureu of Science and Tachnology(NJSTB), signed in 2007 by sir Andrew McMichal on behalf of MRC and Director of NJSTB; and between Beijing You'an hospital(BJYA) and MRC Human Immunology Unit(HIU), in 2012 signed by Director HIU Vincenzo Cerundolo and the Director Li of BJYA. Given the importance of influenza, the threat of new pandemics often arising in South East Asia, these very strong links will give the MRC a very strong role in working with China to combat current and future influenza threats. This partnership could be extended to other infectious disease threats, such as a recurrence of SARS, should they arise.
Organisations
- University of Oxford (Lead Research Organisation)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- Xinjiang Medical University (Collaboration)
- Chinese Scholarship Council (Collaboration)
- Capital University of Medical Sciences (Collaboration)
- Simcere Diagnostics (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) (Collaboration)
- Beijing Municipal Health Bureau (Project Partner)
- Capital Medical University (Project Partner)
- Beijing Ditan Hospital (Project Partner)
Publications
He C
(2019)
High polymorphism rates in well-known T cell epitopes restricted by protective HLA alleles during HIV infection are associated with rapid disease progression in early-infected MSM in China.
in Medical microbiology and immunology
Huang KA
(2019)
Structure-function analysis of neutralizing antibodies to H7N9 influenza from naturally infected humans.
in Nature microbiology
Jallow S
(2015)
The presence of prolines in the flanking region of an immunodominant HIV-2 gag epitope influences the quality and quantity of the epitope generated.
in European journal of immunology
Jayasooriya S
(2015)
Early virological and immunological events in asymptomatic Epstein-Barr virus infection in African children.
in PLoS pathogens
Jeewandara C
(2022)
Immune responses following the first dose of the Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac).
in Scientific reports
Jeewandara C
(2022)
Kinetics of immune responses to the AZD1222/Covishield vaccine with varying dose intervals in Sri Lankan individuals.
in Immunity, inflammation and disease
Jeewandara C
(2021)
Immune responses to a single dose of the AZD1222/Covishield vaccine in health care workers.
in Nature communications
Jeewandara C
(2022)
Persistence of immune responses to the Sinopharm/BBIBP-CorV vaccine.
in Immunity, inflammation and disease
Jeewandara C
(2021)
Kinetics of immune responses to the AZD1222/Covishield vaccine with varying dose intervals in Sri Lankan individuals.
in medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences
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Description | Anti-viral T cells in HIV infection |
Amount | ¥200,000 (CNY) |
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Start | 12/2012 |
End | 12/2015 |
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Description | Flu vaccine for heterosubtypeic protection |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
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Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2007 |
End | 04/2010 |
Description | Human Anti-viral T Cells |
Amount | £1,477,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Department | MRC Human Immunology Unit |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 04/2022 |
Description | Immune responses in HBV associated HCC (Overseas co-applicant) |
Amount | ¥4,000,000 (CNY) |
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Country | China |
Start | 08/2011 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | Immunological investigation for the implementation of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccination |
Amount | £997,772 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/R021643/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2018 |
End | 06/2021 |
Description | Janssen Pharmaceutical - Characterising HBV specific T cells in HBV associated liver disease |
Amount | $1,000,000 (USD) |
Organisation | Janssen Biotech, Inc. |
Sector | Private |
Country | United States |
Start | 11/2015 |
End | 11/2017 |
Description | Janssen Pharmaceutical - Characterising HBV specific T cells in HBV associated liver disease |
Amount | $500,000 (USD) |
Organisation | Janssen Biotech, Inc. |
Sector | Private |
Country | United States |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 09/2019 |
Description | Janssen Pharmaceutical - Characterising HBV specific T cells in HBV associated liver disease |
Amount | $500,000 (USD) |
Organisation | Janssen Research & Development |
Sector | Private |
Country | Global |
Start | 03/2019 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | MRC Human Immunology Unit = program title: Human Anti-viral T cells (1 of 10 groups in HIU) |
Amount | £813,590 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2010 |
End | 04/2017 |
Description | MRC capacity building studentships (Srinika Ranasinghe) |
Amount | £60,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2005 |
End | 09/2009 |
Description | Project grant: T cell in H5N1 infection |
Amount | £412,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2006 |
End | 03/2010 |
Description | Studying the Tumour specific T cells in virus associated cancer |
Amount | ¥2,800,000 (CNY) |
Organisation | National Science Foundation China |
Sector | Public |
Country | China |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 04/2022 |
Description | The Impact of IFITM3 variants in influenza virus infection |
Amount | ¥2,800,000 (CNY) |
Organisation | National Science Foundation China |
Sector | Public |
Country | China |
Start | 12/2013 |
End | 07/2018 |
Description | The biological effect of pleural fluid in malignant pleural mesothelioma |
Amount | £148,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | British Lung Foundation (BLF) |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | The impact of IFTIM3 genetic variation on influenza virus infection, immune responses and disease outcome |
Amount | £1,107,634 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/L018942/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2014 |
End | 04/2018 |
Description | The use of human monoclonal antibodies to inform and enhance influenza vaccine virus selection |
Amount | £987,001 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/P021336/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2017 |
End | 06/2020 |
Description | Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund (WTISSF) , T-Cell Immunity to HBV associated HCC |
Amount | £213,422 (GBP) |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2013 |
End | 02/2016 |
Title | T cell epitopes and overlapping peptides |
Description | Peptide containing new T cell epitopes, overlapping peptides spanning H5N1, and human H3N2 proteome |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2008 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Cross reactive peptides could be used for study the impact of cross reactive T cell responses in Vaccine trails and human influenza infected patients. |
Description | CAMS Oxford Institute |
Organisation | Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Jointly set up the CAMS Oxford Institute, collaborative research - Immunity to infection and cancer |
Collaborator Contribution | Jointly set up the CAMS Oxford Institute, collaborative research - Immunity to infection and cancer CAMS Innovation fund provided £20million |
Impact | None yet |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | CSC-COI Scholarship partnership |
Organisation | Chinese Scholarship Council |
Country | China |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | MD PhD Scholarship to host around 50 students over 5 years at the University of Oxford |
Collaborator Contribution | MD PhD Scholarship to provide funding for 50 students over 5 years |
Impact | None yet |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Flu vaccine for heterosubtypeic protection |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Jenner Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Expertise in T cell study |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to patient cohort after flu challenge, enable us to study the role of pre-existing T cells in contributing to the protection and disease outcome. |
Impact | 2 paper submitted |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Immunological investigation for the implementation of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccination |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Department | National Heart & Lung Institute (NHLI) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Project patenter |
Collaborator Contribution | Funding contribution for research |
Impact | None Yet |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Influenza specific T cell responses in influenza virus infection in China |
Organisation | Capital University of Medical Sciences |
Department | Youan Infectious Diseases Hospital |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Direct the study |
Collaborator Contribution | Performed large part of the experiments |
Impact | paper in preparation |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Mapping HBV epitopes |
Organisation | Capital University of Medical Sciences |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Grant from Janssen pharmaceutical (1000000USD) and MRC HIU core support |
Collaborator Contribution | Grant from Minister of Science and technology, Youan hospital internal funds for patient recruitment, and immunology core facility, consumables (total CNY 5000000) |
Impact | not yet |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Simcere collaboration |
Organisation | Simcere Diagnostics |
Country | China |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Research collaboration partners |
Collaborator Contribution | Funding contribution for research |
Impact | None yet |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | TAA specific T cell responses in cancer patients |
Organisation | Xinjiang Medical University |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Design and performed experiments, wrote research proposal together, training local researchers |
Collaborator Contribution | Joint grant application, patient recruitment, blood nab samples, local technique support, local ethic applications etc. |
Impact | One paper published on HLA association with EBV associated NPC (Immunology 2014), more to come. Joint funding from NSFC, Minister of Science and Technology China and MRC HIU core) |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | The biological effect of pleural fluid in malignant pleural mesothelioma |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Co-applicant - research support |
Collaborator Contribution | Funding support with grant |
Impact | None Yet |
Start Year | 2018 |
Title | Optimal T-cell killing cancer/virus patent |
Description | TBC |
IP Reference | GB1720439.7 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | |
Licensed | No |
Impact | TBC |
Title | POLYPEPTIDE PANELS AND USES THEREOF |
Description | The present invention relates to one or more polypeptides derived from SARS-CoV-2 and their use in detecting early stage or previous infection in a subject |
IP Reference | 2011652.1 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | |
Licensed | No |
Impact | n/a |
Description | Award video on Chinese TV |
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 | Professor Yonghong Zhang and Professor Tao Dong's collaboration in Beijing You'an Hospital won first prize for the Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Award. This resulted in a video being broadcast on Beijing television. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.cti.ox.ac.uk/dong-and-zhang-collaboration-won-the-beijing-science-and-technology-innovati... |
Description | BBC Radio Science - CrowdScience radio/podcast episode |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The episode focussed on COVID-19: The importance of scientific collaboration with China, vaccine development, and antiviral use |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Beijing-UK Emerging Infectious Disease symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Type Of Presentation | workshop facilitator |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talks between Beijing and UK delegates sparked talks and discussions afterwards. Talks encouraged more collaborations between Beijing and UK. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Career talk at sixth form school |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Career talk at sixth form school in Abingdon. Spoke to ~70 16-17year olds about my career progression and options for their future. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | China Vice Premier in Oxford for signing of research collaboration |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | The Vice-Premier of the People's Republic of China, Liu Yandong, has visited Oxford to witness the signing and launching of Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute, which builds on Center for Translational Immunology and will expand and develop existing successful collaboration between the two organisation and countries. Combining the strength of both partners-with Oxford offering a world class environment and training, and China exceptional researchers and vision-the institute will deliver outstanding science and help to develop innovative medicines to tackle infectious disease and cancer. Madam Liu also witnessed the signing of MD/D.Phil scholarship program by Chinese scholarship council, Chinese Academy of Medical Science/ Peking Union Medical school and University of Oxford, the purpose of this program is to train next generation clinical scientists. The founding directors for this new joint Institute are: Professor Xuetao Cao (CAMS) and Professor Tao Dong (Oxford) |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Curiosity carnival of Research |
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 | Dannielle designed an activity based on the immune system for the HIU department to run within the context of 'The Blood Factory'. The Blood Factory was an interactive room in the Natural History museum which explained the components of blood, hormones and the immune system. Dannielle co-ordinated the whole project and arranged all of the details. The activity was aimed at a range of people from young children (<5 years) to adults. Over 3 hours we spoke to ~400 people and the overall feedback was very good, with several people admitting to learning something new. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Designed an activity for the MRC festival of research |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Designed an activity for the MRC festival of research based on the gene editing work by the Rehwinkel lab. The MRC festival of research reached ~500 members of the public across 6 days throughout Oxfordshire. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | GTEC Podcast - Research during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The episode focused on the challenges of research during the COVID-19 pandemic and was part of a Pandemic preparedness-focused podcast series which aims to educate on the importance of immunology and T cell research for current and future pandemics. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Gene linked to more severe flu in Chinese populations |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Online news segment explaining the genetic variant which explains why Chinese populations may be more vulnerable to H1N1 swine flu has been found by researchers at the University of Oxford and Beijing Capital Medical University. n/a |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2013-01-29-gene-linked-more-severe-flu-chinese-populations |
Description | Gene responsible for increased severity of influenza in Chinese populations, published online in the MRC network magazine |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | n/a |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
URL | http://www.mrc.ac.uk/news-events/news/gene-responsible-for-increased-severity-of-influenza-in-chines... |
Description | Hosted work experience students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Hosted two work experience students aged 17 years old. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Immune System disorders EDI Seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Dannielle Wellington gave a talk over Zoom on the basics of the immune system and what goes wrong in immunocompromise and autoimmune disease. There were 40 Oxford University researchers on Zoom and 150 people watched the livestream on YouTube. This video has now had 430 views |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvQyrarGLD0&t=167s |
Description | Lab tour for Dutch college students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Dr Dannielle Wellington, part of Prof. Dong's group conducted a lab tour for Dutch college students and answered their questions about career and University |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | MRC Festival of Science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Kerry Kite, Research Assistant in Prof. Dong's group took part in the MRC Festival of Science. The aim was to interact with the public outside a local supermarket in Whitney. We wanted to explain the work the MRC does involving genetically engineering viruses to kill cancerous cells. The impact was to show the public, who's tax money goes towards our funding, our work and explain it to them in a way they can understand. We spoke to children, teenagers and adults of various backgrounds. They played games and won chocolates and freebies as well as the chance to ask many questions and discuss other areas of science they were interested in. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | MRC Festival of research |
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 | Dannielle designed an activity based on Prof. Graham Ogg's research into Filaggrin and Eczema. This activity, along with two others, were exhibited in high streets and supermarket foyers where we spoke to the public about MRC funded research at the WIMM. Over the week we spoke to ~1160 people from all demographics. We had great feedback and the eczema activity is now being used to explain the science of Eczema within local schools. Henry also volunteered during the week. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Northway Church; "Superdads" playgroup |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Event for children aged 3-9 and their fathers. Title: "The Blood Factory" Info sent to parents prior to event: "Come and learn about the different types of cells in your blood, from those that make it red to magic cells that have the potential to become anything they want. Plus learn how one group of cells in our bodies are constantly working together to stop you from feeling sick with our fun dress-up game. Will you be a Detective dendritic cell, Ninja Killer T cell, Macrophage maid or Fibroblast Builder?" Props used: Soft toy blood cells; colouring in sheets; dress up as cells Activities: brief introduction; drawing blood cells; game to find infected cell Verbal feedback at/after the event was very positive and several text / WhatsApp messages were received afterwards saying it was a special event. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Nursery Visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Spoke to ~30 age 3-4 children about the components of blood and function of the immune system. Received excellent feedback from key workers at the nursery. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Oxford High School Visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talk on HIV and AIDS in Africa The talk heightened the understanding of HIV and AIDS |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | Oxford IF stand on Fighting Viral Infections |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Dannielle Wellington led the design and implementation of a new stand with 3 activities targeted at explaining to children aged 7-12 how viruses are sensed, degraded and killed by T cells. We spent two days exhibiting at Templars Square Shopping Centre, Oxford, and spoke to ~200 people. Delaney Dominey-Foy and Zixi Yin volunteered at the event. This stand was sponsored by BSI. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Oxford Wellcome Integrative Neuroimaging centre EDI Seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | gave a talk on the basics of the immune system and what goes wrong in immunocompromise and autoimmune disease. 40 people on Zoom and 150 live on YouTube. YouTube video has now been viewed 393 times |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvQyrarGLD0&feature=youtu.be |
Description | Pint of Science Beautiful Mind Evening |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Dannielle Wellington was part of the team that organised and co-ordinated this evening, presenting a series of talks and interactive games with audiences through YouTube Live. Event was aimed at the general public and attracted ~100 people live. YouTube video has now had 655 views |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xY1YvHGD29o |
Description | Podcast on University Website |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A podcast on Infectious diseases in China n/a |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.ndm.ox.ac.uk/tao-dong-infectious-diseases-in-china |
Description | Radio 4 episode - World This Weekend |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The episode focussed on COVID-19 and the research being performed in Oxford |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Ran a stand at Oxford IF Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Ran a stand at Oxford IF Science Festival. Blood factory stand explaining the components of blood and functions of the immune system. Targeted at high school children and members of the public. Spoke to ~250 people. Received great feedback from event organisers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Royal Society Summer exhibition |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Dannielle volunteered at the exhibition to help explain how the genome is folded. The exhibition was targeted at school children aged over 12 years old. Across the day we spoke to hundreds of people. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | S3E1: Research during the COVID-19 pandemic Global T cell Expert Consortium Podcast |
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 | Tao Dong discusses the impact of the coronavirus disease outbreak on the research community and highlight the importance of T cells in understanding more about COVID-19 immunology. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/global-t-cell-expert-consortium/id1545133200?i=1000511373893 |
Description | School visits for British science week |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Directly spoke to 60 students aged 11 and then hosted a stand at a drop in session where we spoke to ~80-100 students age 5-11 years. Explained the various components of the blood with a demonstration of the distinct functions of cells of the immune system. Received excellent feedback from the students as well as their teachers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Science in the supermarket, MRC Festival 2019 |
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 | Ran a stall in a supermarkets in Didcot, Reading and Oxford as part of the MRC Science Festival 2019. Families including adults and children took part. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Session on Vaccines for Work Experience students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Run a session on vaccines. 16-17 year old work experience students played the role of scientists, government and pharmaceutical companies, as they decided on which vaccine research to invest. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Swindon 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 | Science Festival to introduce the general public to science. Stickers were given to each visitor. Stickers given out on Friday = 282 Stickers given out on Saturday = 307 Total stickers distributed = 589 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | T cell article on University College, Oxford of Oxford Website |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | An article giving information on the study into T cell responses in patients recovered from COVID-19 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.univ.ox.ac.uk/news/t-cell-update/ |
Description | Talk at Plymouth University about PhD life and Career Options |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Dr Dannielle Wellington, part of Professor Dong'd group have a talk to Plymouth University undergraduate students about PhD life and career options in a Q & A session. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2016 |
Description | Talk delivered at Chronic Illness event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Delivered a talk on the basics of the immune system and what can go wrong during chronic illnesses as an introduction to the event. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Talk for World AIDS DAY 2014, St Edmund Hall |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Ms Sophie Andrews who Professor Dong is a supervisor of did a talk which sparked questions and discussion afterwards. n/a |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Westminster Higher Education Forum policy conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Delivered a keynote address at the Westminster Higher Education Forum policy conference, which focussed on the future of the UK's research partnerships with the international research community, discussing the outcomes from the Smith-Reid Review, the UKRI review into international research and retaining research talent within the UK. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Women in Science Interview, posted online |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A project on 'Experiences of Women in Science at the University of Oxford'. It has been funded by the Vice-Chancellor's Diversity Fund. One of the primary aims of the new Fund is to address the under-representation of women in senior research and academic posts. The aim of this project is to develop a University of Oxford website based on interviews with women scientists at different stages of their careers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Work experience student |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Hosted a 17 year old work experience student for a week |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Work experience student |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Hosted an 18 year old work experience student for a week. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Work experience students from Oxford High School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | three students attended as work experience from Oxford High School for a week |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2016 |