Defining the risk of wildlife-associated bunyaviridae infections to UK livestock
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
The rotation will expose the student to techniques relevant to the field of emerging virus detection. Specifically they will learn how to compile and manipulate virus sequence datasets, perform relevant bioinformatics analyses to define genetic relatedness and facilitate with appropriate degenerate PCR primer design. The student will then have the opportuity to apply these primer sets to wild rodent tissue samples, using a human sample set as control, to define the prevalence of bunyaviruses in this important wildlife reservoir. If time permits, the studnet will also gain hands-on experience of the virus culture techniques and surrogate infectivity assays.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/10/2024 | |||
| 1644965 | Studentship | BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 |
| Description | As a result of the work carried out from this award, a new research tool (Lyssavirus pp panel) has been developed and optimised. This tool has been used to investigate the properties of a novel vaccine developed by our collaborators. Data produced using this research tool has indicated that the novel vaccine elicits similar levels of neutralising antibodies with fewer doses than the existing vaccine. |
| Exploitation Route | Data produced within this award may be used to support future research into the novel vaccine and potentially lead to clinical trials. |
| Sectors | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Title | Lyssavirus pp panel |
| Description | Generated a pseudotype virus panel encompassing a range of lyssavirus species. Production of this panel panel was optimised and refined for use in neutralisation experiments. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The development of this tool provided increased knowledge to our research team and has aided others within the team to develop their own similar tools. |
| Description | Reithera |
| Organisation | ReiThera |
| Country | Italy |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Experience in developing pseudotype assays, experimental design and provision of experimental data. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in vaccine development and provision of experimental samples. |
| Impact | Research tool - Lyssavirus pp panel |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Science Discovery Days 2016 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | 105 primary school pupils came to the university to learn about STEM. There were various activities to introduce the pupils to the research currently being carried out in the university, all explained in simple, age-appropriate terms. Several schools were involved and teachers and pupils provided positive feedback about the sessions. Several pupils apparently showed an increased interest in STEM subjects following the visit. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |