G2P-UK; A National Virology Consortium to address phenotypic consequences of SARSCoV-2 genomic variation
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Infectious Disease
Abstract
There have been almost 100 million cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections world-wide, with more than two million deaths to date. It seems certain that this virus will permanently establish itself in the human population and become endemic, meaning that multiple strategies and measures will be needed to prevent, control and treat SARS-CoV-2 infections for the foreseeable future.
For all viral infections, the outcomes in terms of disease, recovery, viral persistence or onward transmission are dictated by the balance between virus replication and the immune responses of the infected individuals. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate in people this balance will change over time; On one hand the virus that emerged from an animal source may further adapt to its new human host and on the other hand the acquired immune response in the human population will accumulate potentially limiting viral spread.
New variants of SARS CoV-2 with mutations in the genome (different 'genotype') will emerge and some may have altered biological properties ("phenotype"): including transmitting between humans more readily, exacerbating or attenuating disease and mortality, spreading to other animal species (to establish non-human reservoirs) or evading human immunity that is acquired through natural infection or vaccination. The latter is a particular concern at this moment in time given that population-level immunity is increasing as a result of high virus circulation and vaccination programs. Many variants of SARS-CoV-2 are now appearing globally, and the rational assessment of the risks they pose to society requires an evidence-based scientific understanding of any causative changes in biological properties.
The Genotype-to-Phenotype UK National Virology Consortium (G2P-UK) will address this critical knowledge gap by leveraging the combined virological expertise of ten leading research centres to undertake a suite of directed and complementary experimental tests that will link SARS-CoV-2 sequence variation to virus behaviour and function. Tests will include the detailed assessments of virus growth using a series of laboratory models of infection, susceptibility of viruses to inhibition by human immune mechanisms including antibodies, evaluations of the functionality of individual virus proteins, and virus propagation and transmissibility using established small animal models. Co-ordination within G2P will be achieved through upfront agreed methodologies and standards, the free exchange of materials, specimens and know-how, regular scientific meetings and a dedicated consortium website.
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern that warrant focused investigation will be prioritised through co-ordinated workings with scientists at another consortium, COG-UK, who are responsible for virus surveillance and keeping track of emerging virus variants. Variants of concern will be selected on criteria that include altered disease outcomes, rapid emergence or spread, infections in the context of pre-existing immunity, apparent or inferred escape from immunity, or resistance to anti-viral drugs.G2P will also engage closely with other key UK organisations and scientific consortia including UK-wide Public Health laboratories and UK-CIC (Coronavirus Immunology Consortium), as well as other leading groups working in the UK and internationally, to gather the most holistic and incisive evaluation of the biological phenotypes of variants of concern and the associated risks they carry. These conclusions will be shared rapidly and openly with key groups such as NERVTAG and SAGE to inform national pandemic management and strategies for patient treatment, diagnostics, population-level surveillance, infection control and vaccination.
For all viral infections, the outcomes in terms of disease, recovery, viral persistence or onward transmission are dictated by the balance between virus replication and the immune responses of the infected individuals. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate in people this balance will change over time; On one hand the virus that emerged from an animal source may further adapt to its new human host and on the other hand the acquired immune response in the human population will accumulate potentially limiting viral spread.
New variants of SARS CoV-2 with mutations in the genome (different 'genotype') will emerge and some may have altered biological properties ("phenotype"): including transmitting between humans more readily, exacerbating or attenuating disease and mortality, spreading to other animal species (to establish non-human reservoirs) or evading human immunity that is acquired through natural infection or vaccination. The latter is a particular concern at this moment in time given that population-level immunity is increasing as a result of high virus circulation and vaccination programs. Many variants of SARS-CoV-2 are now appearing globally, and the rational assessment of the risks they pose to society requires an evidence-based scientific understanding of any causative changes in biological properties.
The Genotype-to-Phenotype UK National Virology Consortium (G2P-UK) will address this critical knowledge gap by leveraging the combined virological expertise of ten leading research centres to undertake a suite of directed and complementary experimental tests that will link SARS-CoV-2 sequence variation to virus behaviour and function. Tests will include the detailed assessments of virus growth using a series of laboratory models of infection, susceptibility of viruses to inhibition by human immune mechanisms including antibodies, evaluations of the functionality of individual virus proteins, and virus propagation and transmissibility using established small animal models. Co-ordination within G2P will be achieved through upfront agreed methodologies and standards, the free exchange of materials, specimens and know-how, regular scientific meetings and a dedicated consortium website.
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern that warrant focused investigation will be prioritised through co-ordinated workings with scientists at another consortium, COG-UK, who are responsible for virus surveillance and keeping track of emerging virus variants. Variants of concern will be selected on criteria that include altered disease outcomes, rapid emergence or spread, infections in the context of pre-existing immunity, apparent or inferred escape from immunity, or resistance to anti-viral drugs.G2P will also engage closely with other key UK organisations and scientific consortia including UK-wide Public Health laboratories and UK-CIC (Coronavirus Immunology Consortium), as well as other leading groups working in the UK and internationally, to gather the most holistic and incisive evaluation of the biological phenotypes of variants of concern and the associated risks they carry. These conclusions will be shared rapidly and openly with key groups such as NERVTAG and SAGE to inform national pandemic management and strategies for patient treatment, diagnostics, population-level surveillance, infection control and vaccination.
Technical Summary
SARS-CoV-2 has caused 1.4 million deaths and has devastated economies worldwide. As SARS-CoV-2 replicates and spreads, its RNA genome inevitably mutates. Mutations may confer altered properties of potential concern to human health, such as increased pathogenicity or transmissibility, or reduced sensitivity to prior immunity or antiviral drugs. Importantly, the imminent roll out of vaccination campaigns could provide strong selection pressure for escape from vaccine-induced immunity.
We are a consortium ("G2P-UK") of UK virologists who will work openly with COG-UK and UK-CiC, to establish an experimental pipeline and shared resources (reagents, methodologies and model systems) to rapidly define the phenotypic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 mutations as they emerge. With three interconnected work packages we will obtain and distribute clinical isolates and engineered SARS-CoV-2 mutants (WP1), test the functional properties of the mutations in in vitro assays (WP2) and characterise their phenotype in culture and animal model systems (WP3).
The choice of strains and mutations will be informed by a joint working group that includes COG-UK members. Current virus strains will be immediately introduced into the pipeline, to accumulate a baseline of underpinning knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 behaviour, to validate the consortium working relationships and to seed mechanistic studies suitable for further research. Then, as variants of concern are detected, they will be prioritized for co-ordinated investigation in real time.
By interpreting the biological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 mutations we will inform on the associated risks and vulnerabilities related to public health policy and clinical practice, including treatment strategies, diagnostics and infection control, and vaccination.
We are a consortium ("G2P-UK") of UK virologists who will work openly with COG-UK and UK-CiC, to establish an experimental pipeline and shared resources (reagents, methodologies and model systems) to rapidly define the phenotypic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 mutations as they emerge. With three interconnected work packages we will obtain and distribute clinical isolates and engineered SARS-CoV-2 mutants (WP1), test the functional properties of the mutations in in vitro assays (WP2) and characterise their phenotype in culture and animal model systems (WP3).
The choice of strains and mutations will be informed by a joint working group that includes COG-UK members. Current virus strains will be immediately introduced into the pipeline, to accumulate a baseline of underpinning knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 behaviour, to validate the consortium working relationships and to seed mechanistic studies suitable for further research. Then, as variants of concern are detected, they will be prioritized for co-ordinated investigation in real time.
By interpreting the biological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 mutations we will inform on the associated risks and vulnerabilities related to public health policy and clinical practice, including treatment strategies, diagnostics and infection control, and vaccination.
Organisations
- Imperial College London (Lead Research Organisation)
- Francis Crick Institute (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW (Collaboration)
- THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL (Collaboration)
- Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- University of Bristol (Collaboration)
- KING'S COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
Publications
Kugathasan R
(2023)
Deep mutagenesis scanning using whole trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike highlights the importance of NTD-RBD interactions in determining spike phenotype.
in PLoS pathogens
Dong X
(2023)
Linked Mutations in the Ebola Virus Polymerase Are Associated with Organ Specific Phenotypes.
in Microbiology spectrum
Khoo SH
(2023)
Molnupiravir versus placebo in unvaccinated and vaccinated patients with early SARS-CoV-2 infection in the UK (AGILE CST-2): a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 2 trial.
in The Lancet. Infectious diseases
Alruwaili M
(2023)
SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 associates with TRiC and the P323L substitution acts as a host adaption
in Journal of Virology
Calvaresi V
(2023)
Structural dynamics in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein
in Nature Communications
Meehan GR
(2023)
Phenotyping the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters by digital pathology and machine learning.
in PLoS pathogens
Roemer C
(2023)
SARS-CoV-2 evolution in the Omicron era.
in Nature microbiology
Bouhaddou M
(2023)
SARS-CoV-2 variants evolve convergent strategies to remodel the host response.
in Cell
Cox M
(2023)
SARS-CoV-2 variant evasion of monoclonal antibodies based on in vitro studies.
in Nature reviews. Microbiology
McCormack CP
(2023)
Modelling the viral dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants in different cell types.
in Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
Box HJ
(2023)
Lack of antiviral activity of probenecid in vitro and in Syrian golden hamsters.
in The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy
Mesner D
(2023)
SARS-CoV-2 evolution influences GBP and IFITM sensitivity.
in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Goldswain H
(2023)
The P323L substitution in the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase (NSP12) confers a selective advantage during infection.
in Genome biology
Carabelli AM
(2023)
SARS-CoV-2 variant biology: immune escape, transmission and fitness.
in Nature reviews. Microbiology
Wu MY
(2023)
Sotrovimab restores neutralization against current Omicron subvariants in patients with blood cancer.
in Cancer cell
Derqui N
(2023)
Risk factors and vectors for SARS-CoV-2 household transmission: a prospective, longitudinal cohort study.
in The Lancet. Microbe
Styles CT
(2023)
Propylene glycol inactivates respiratory viruses and prevents airborne transmission.
in EMBO molecular medicine
Iannucci S
(2023)
The SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutation Explorer: using an interactive application to improve the public understanding of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
in Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine
Neary M
(2023)
Evaluation of Nafamostat as Chemoprophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hamsters.
in Viruses
Österdahl MF
(2023)
Metabolomic and gut microbiome profiles across the spectrum of community-based COVID and non-COVID disease.
in Scientific reports
Tan CCS
(2023)
Genomic screening of 16 UK native bat species through conservationist networks uncovers coronaviruses with zoonotic potential.
in Nature communications
Dijokaite-Guraliuc A
(2023)
Rapid escape of new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants from BA.2-directed antibody responses.
in Cell reports
Otter JA
(2023)
SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination in an acute healthcare setting during the first and second pandemic waves.
in The Journal of hospital infection
Title | False coloured SEM images of virus infected cells |
Description | Multiple false coloured SEM images taken by Dr Steve Gschmeissner of SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, Hep C and other virus infected cell samples produced and fixed in the Towers lab. |
Type Of Art | Image |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Impact | These images are available for sale to the press and often are used in news articles and as illustrations in books. https://sciencephotogallery.com/art/gschmeissner |
Description | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Exploitation Route | The outcomes of this funding are currently being used by UKHSA to risk assess new and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants |
Sectors | Government, Democracy and Justice |
Description | Members of the G2P-UK consortium have been providing information to expert groups (SAGE, NERVTAG, Variant Technical Group, 'COVID-19 nMABs Access and Policy National Expert Group') and the media on the SARS-CoV-2 variants Information. Data from G2P-UK are presented at the weekly PHE Variant Technical Group which forms part of the risk assessment for emerging VOCs. Media contributions by G2P-UK investigators have enhanced the general public's understanding of the currents risk posed by variants of concern as well as the benefits of vaccination. |
First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
Sector | Government, Democracy and Justice |
Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
Description | 1st South African Workshop on SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Evolution St Lucia, 31st October - 3 rd November Talk: Covid-19 Epidemiology: Understanding SARS CoV2 transmission, from hamsters to humans |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | Advisory - sharing ideas and giving and receiving information |
Description | APPG Parliamentary reception on 'Tackling COVID-19: Recognising the exceptional research response: 14th March 2022 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Recognition from MP's and Govt |
Description | EUROPEAN COVID SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS MEETING COVID-19 European Scientific Council Meeting |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | Advisor |
Description | JCVI COVID-19 vaccines main meeting 12 May 2022 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Advisory |
Description | Participation on NICE Panel |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | SAGE COVID 19 |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Advisor on COVID 19 |
Description | Technical coordination meeting: Novel Variants |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Impact | Techinical Scientifc participant |
Description | The French National Research Agency for AIDS, hepatitis adn emerging infectious disease Talk: Determinants of transmission of respiratory viruses. |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | Sharing information |
Description | Vaccine Effectiveness Expert Panel Cabinet office regular meeting |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Nationwide Vaccine expert panel organisation and consultation to the Cabnet office |
Description | Vaccine Science Coordination Meeting |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Impact | Acted as Chair 2021 - 2022 |
Description | Weekly reporting to the UKHSA Variant Technical Group |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
Description | CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONAL CORE STUDY ON TRANSMISSION OF SARS-COV-2 THEME 5 EM39 and EM59 |
Amount | £955,405 (GBP) |
Organisation | Health and Safety Executive (HSE) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2021 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | G2P-UK; A National Virology Consortium to address phenotypic consequences of SARSCoV-2 genomic variation- 1 year project extension |
Amount | £1,524,763 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/W005611/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2022 |
End | 07/2023 |
Description | Investigation of proven vaccine breakthrough by SARS-CoV-2 variants in established UK healthcare worker cohorts: SIREN consortium & PITCH Plus Pathway |
Amount | £1,585,765 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/W02067X/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2021 |
End | 08/2023 |
Description | From Science to Policy: UK and France Symposium on COVID-19 Vaccines |
Organisation | Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Vaccination has been central to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in both the UK and France. In December 2021, the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and the French Académie Nationale de Médecine convened a joint meeting to compare experiences in the two countries. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the lessons learned from the vaccination policies implemented in both the UK and France and to examine the role of science in influencing policy.. |
Collaborator Contribution | In December 2021, the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and the French Académie Nationale de Médecine jointly convened a workshop to consider responses to the pandemic in the two countries, with a particular focus on vaccination strategies and the role of science in influencing policymaking. The workshop provided an opportunity to share experiences and to learn lessons that could be applied to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic or future public health emergencies. |
Impact | N/A |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | Francis Crick Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | King's College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | The Pirbright Institute |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | University College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | University of Bristol |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | MRC - University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | University of Liverpool |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | G2P-UK |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Oxford Hub |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof Wendy Barclay is currently leading and managing the G2P-UK consortium. This involves both project management and financial management of the award. The Barclay lab have generated a library of pseudovirus plasmids of SARS-CoV-2 variants (all pcDNA 3.1, codon optimised, un-tagged, delta 19) and panels of virus isolates representing the main Variants of Concern (VOCs), Variants under Investigation (VUIs) as well as other variants to evaluate neutralising capability. These have been distributed to the G2P-UK consortium and to other research groups in the UK, USA, Spain, Sweden and Italy. The Barclay Lab has also isolated and propagated SARS-CoV-2 viruses from clinical swabs which have been distributed to the G2P consortium for live virus neutralising assays, immune evasions studies and in vivo experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Glasgow University (CVR)-CVR has adopted a reverse genetic system for SARS-CoV-2 and developed a pipeline for the generation of recombinant viruses for the whole consortium. Pirbright Institute- have worked closely with UKHSA to examine the neutralising antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants in elderly UK populations, achievable through access to sera from UKHSA's CONSENSUS audit. King's College, London-The KCL team have expertise in viral neutralisation to collect and characterise sera from vaccinees, infected persons and vaccinees who have been infected for their neutralisation capabilities against the Spike proteins of VOCs as they emerge. UCL-have established SARS-CoV-2 replication assays in cell lines and primary airway cultures that recapitulate the innate immune response seen in human disease. The Francis Crick Institute- have gathered >2000 sera from diverse cohorts (general population, healthcare workers, extremely clinically vulnverable) collected longitudinally as vaccine rollout has progressed for assessment using "gold standard" live virus-neutralisation against VOCs as they have emerged (Alpha, Delta, Omicron); Data has been used by PHE/UKHSA, JCVI, and others to inform public heath response and vaccination policy. Cambridge University are using biopsy derived intestinal organoids, expanding to include primary airway epithelial cells, to examine the impact of VOC mutations on viral replication Oxford University-have established polymerase assays using purified recombinant proteins and performed phenotypic characterisation of mutations in non-structural proteins (nsp) of SARS-CoV-2. University of Bristol- are analysing mutations in VOCs using reverse genetics to dissect individual mutations University of Liverpool are evaluating and comparibg the disease profile and transmissibility of future variants in animal models as well as developing software to quantify SARS-CoV-2 (and any other coronavirus) transcription from sequencing data and identify new subgenomic mRNAs |
Impact | As horizon scanning identifies emerging new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) such as Delta, Lambda and Mu and the Delta subvariant AY4.2 and Omicron, G2P-UK have isolated virus from clinical swabs, generated spike plasmids and Reverse Genetics mutant viruses which have been distributed at speed throughout the consortium for phenotypic analysis. Data is then shared with UKHSA as part of their risk assessment. We have shown in small animal models that the Delta variant is more severe than the Alpha variant and that is shows 100% transmission. Delta shows increased replication in primary human airway epithelial (HAE) cells. Data from neutralisation tests using sera from vaccinated cohorts have shown that Beta variant is less neutralised than Alpha and Delta. Preliminary Omicron studies have shown that vaccination ( 2 doses and 3 doses) can neutralise Omicron, but not that well compared to Alpha and Delta variants. Omicron can replicate faster than Delta in nasal epithelium. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Contribution to a Nature article Omnicron |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Prof Wendy Barclay was interviewed for an article in Nature-Omicron's lasting mysteries-four questions scientists are racing to answer https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00428-5 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Contribution to a Scientific American article on omicron |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Prof Wendy Barclay contributed to an article in Scientific American about the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/omicrons-surprising-anatomy-explains-why-it-is-wildly-contagious/ |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Contribution to article in BMJ |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Prof Wendy Barclay contributed to an article in the BMJ How similar is covid-19 to the flu? https://www.bmj.com/content/379/bmj.o2625 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Contribution to article on Imperial College Website Two years of COVID |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Prof Wendy Barclay was interviewed for an article on the Imperial College website-Two years of COVID-19: what's next for the pandemic https://www.imperial.ac.uk/stories/two-years-of-covid/ |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | EMBO-EMBL SYMPOSIUM: talk in Heidelberg Innate Immunity in Host-Pathogen Interactions. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Talk |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Guest speaker at the Australasian Virology Society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Prof Barclay was invited to be a guest speaker at the Australasian Virology Society (5-8th December 2022) to give a presentation about Antivirals and Vaccines. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | ICL, UKHSA, & LSHTM and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics Independent Scientific Advisory Board Meetin |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Advisory |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Interview for LBC radio |
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 | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Omicron and Christmas - Prof Greg Towers was interviewed with Professor Chris Smith from Cambridge University by LBC's Eddie Mair, Dec 2021. This discussion was about Omicron and provided information for the listeners on this new variant of concern. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Interview with BBC Hugh Pym - Why Omicron is creating so many new cases and what's likely to happen in the future? |
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 | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Prof Wendy Barclay was interviewed for the BBC by Hugh Pym to discuss "why Omicron is creating so many new cases and what's likely to happen in the future." |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Interview with NTV |
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 | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Prof Greg Towers was interview by Russian TV station NTV for his opinions of Omicron and Vaccination. This provided information to the Russian Public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Interview with Times Radio |
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 | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Times Radio interviewed Prof Greg Towers about moving with Omicron into the new year . This interview provided information to listeners about the new variant of concern that was causing an uptick in covid-19 cases. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Invited speaker to a scientific meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Prof Wendy Barclay was invited to give a presentation on Immune responses in COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections at the Royal Society 2 day meeting on The Science of Covid https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2022/03/tof-covid/ |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | National Core Studies Immunology Birmingham Talk The Genotype to Phenotype Consortium: "G2P" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Participation in Paris Talk COVID-19: European Scientific Councils Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Wendy Barclay participated in the European Scientific Council Meeting in September 2022 to provide advice on COVID-19. Topics discussed: Lessons learnt on the response to the crisis: Surveillance: how to organize surveillance during the autumn? ° Schools: Vaccination boosters this autumn:for whom, and how ? |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Participation in WHO COVID-19 Global research & innovation forum |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Wendy Barclay participated in the WHO COVID-19 Global research & innovation forum. Topics discussed: what the focus for virology research should be in the coming 6 months (to have the greatest impact on informing disease control) and what fundamental research needs to be done to enable genotype-to-phenotype predictive virology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Royal Society conference on the science of COVID Talk SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Evolution in real time |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Talk |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Weekly reporting to UKHSA Variant Technical Group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Wendy Barclay presents current data from the G2P-UK consortium at the weekly PHE Variant Technical Group which forms part of the risk assessment for emerging Variants of Concern (VOCs). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |