Vaccine and assay development for Nairoviral Diseases
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP
Abstract
Nairoviruses are a family of viruses with the potential to cause disease epidemics, with high levels of mortality. In the nairovirus family, Nairobi Sheep Disease (NSD) and Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) are the most deadly,
ausing severe haemorrhagic fevers in small ruminants and humans respectively. Due to the high mortality of nairovirus outbreaks, and the lack of therapies against infection, development of vaccines is a World Health Organisation priority. The project aims to design, synthesise and test vaccines on a viral vector platform, for protective responses against NSD and CCHF infection.
BBSRC Research Priority Areas:
Agriculture and Food security - NSDV infects and decimates herd of small ruminants (sheep, goats) which many people in the developing world rely on for sustenance and income. Vaccinating against NSDV could therefore help maintain food security and prevent descent into poverty
Bioscience for health - CCHFV is a zoonotic pathogen, which causes asymptomatic viremia in many domestic animals. As such, CCHFV presents an expanding threat to professionals who handle animals and animal viscera,
such as veterinarians, slaughterhouse worker and butchers. A vaccination regime, which eliminates asymptomatic infection, or prevents disease transmission would protect individuals in at-risk professions.
BBSRC Priorities:
Animal health
Synthetic Biology
Welfare of managed animals
Cross Council Priorities and Programmes:
Global Food Security
Global Uncertainties
Living with Environmental Change
ausing severe haemorrhagic fevers in small ruminants and humans respectively. Due to the high mortality of nairovirus outbreaks, and the lack of therapies against infection, development of vaccines is a World Health Organisation priority. The project aims to design, synthesise and test vaccines on a viral vector platform, for protective responses against NSD and CCHF infection.
BBSRC Research Priority Areas:
Agriculture and Food security - NSDV infects and decimates herd of small ruminants (sheep, goats) which many people in the developing world rely on for sustenance and income. Vaccinating against NSDV could therefore help maintain food security and prevent descent into poverty
Bioscience for health - CCHFV is a zoonotic pathogen, which causes asymptomatic viremia in many domestic animals. As such, CCHFV presents an expanding threat to professionals who handle animals and animal viscera,
such as veterinarians, slaughterhouse worker and butchers. A vaccination regime, which eliminates asymptomatic infection, or prevents disease transmission would protect individuals in at-risk professions.
BBSRC Priorities:
Animal health
Synthetic Biology
Welfare of managed animals
Cross Council Priorities and Programmes:
Global Food Security
Global Uncertainties
Living with Environmental Change