Innate lymphoid cell activation states provide novel checkpoints for adaptive immune responses
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: Immunity and Infection
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cell activation states provide novel checkpoints for adaptive immune responses
People |
ORCID iD |
| David Withers (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Dominika Gajdasik (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/N503654/1 | 30/09/2015 | 29/09/2019 | |||
| 1618979 | Studentship | BB/N503654/1 | 30/09/2015 | 29/09/2019 | Dominika Gajdasik |
| Description | Over the past 2 years of my PhD I have generated interesting results regarding the function of GSK licensed adjuvant AS01 which is particularly important to the development of highly efficient vaccines (Zoster and Malaria vaccines). I have successfully set up a model for intramuscular injections at the Birmingham University. As most of the human vaccines are administered intramuscularly, seating up this model became particularly important. The model allowed to track responses following immunisation with the adjuvant in draining lymph nodes. I have produced data which highlighted the importance of early responses induced by the adjuvant and their involvement in generating good memory responses which are crucial for effective vaccinations. |
| Exploitation Route | GSK adjuvants are being used in various vaccine programmes all around the world. I feel honoured to be a part of research into the effectiveness of the AS01 adjuvant and I hope my findings can contribute to the further improvements. My research focuses on understating the mechanisms of AS01 function and trying to identify the important pathways which are required by AS01 to generate good immune responses. I think pulling apart the very basic steps of AS01 function (i.e. which signalling pathways are involved) could identify possible targets/ areas requiring improvements and therefore contribute to further developments in the adjuvant field. |
| Sectors | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Other |
| Description | GSK |
| Organisation | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) |
| Country | Global |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | As part of my PhD in the Withers Lab (University of Birmingham), I have been investigating the mechanisms of function of GSK licensed adjuvant to improve the efficacy of their candidate vaccines (Zoster and RTS,S vaccines). So far I have provided significant data outlining the signalling pathways required by the AS01 adjuvant to elicit efficient T cell responses following the immunisations. I also provided more detailed analysis of the B cell responses induced by the AS01 as well as important data describing the significance of AS01 immunisations in generating efficient memory responses. |
| Collaborator Contribution | GSK has provided a great support to my research and contributed to my personal development. Over the 2 years of my PhD we stayed in close contact with the GSK Rixensart. The teleconferences and email conversations provided plenty of opportunities to discuss my current data and highlight any problems. They have been very cooperative in organising shipments of the adjuvants as well as being involved in organisation of my 3 months placement in Siena, Italy (commencing June,2018). |
| Impact | No outcomes recorded so far |
| Start Year | 2015 |