This project is part of the overarching project 'ACZI - Innovative antibody-based strategies to combat future emergence of zoonotic viral infections'.

Timeline

2019 – 2023

Group and collaboration

Collaboration: C.A.M. (Xander) de Haan (UU), Frank van Kuppeveld (UU), Berend Jan Bosch (UU)
PhD student: Mirte Pascha

PhD defence

Dissertation: Broadening the antiviral landscape for influenza A virus

Date: 29 February 2024

Project description

Despite the possibly devastating consequences, the world is not well prepared for newly emerging zoonotic viruses with epidemic/pandemic potential. To increase our pandemic preparedness, we urgently need preventive antiviral strategies with broad-range efficacy to control future emerging zoonotic viruses, including influenza A viruses. To this end, we aim to identify broadly neutralizing/protective antibodies, nanobodies and antivirals and the epitopes on hemagglutinin or neuraminidase that they target. The applicability of these antiviral agents as broadly protective therapeutics and diagnostic tools will be explored. Importantly, the identification of broadly protective epitopes will also guide vaccine antigen design. Together with novel antigen presentation and immunization strategies, we additionally aim to develop more broadly protective vaccines for these important pathogens.

Tasks

• Development novel antivirals, nanobodies, and antibodies and improved vaccination strategies