Developing a vaccine antigen recognition platform
Dr Komeil Razmi
Pathogen infection in animal species frequently occurs at the mucosal interface. Mucosal membranes in animals include the mouth, nose, eyelids, windpipe and lungs, stomach and intestines, and the ureters, urethra, and urinary bladder. In fish it includes th skin, gills and gut.
The mucosa thus acts as a critical first barrier of the immune system for defending and establishing immunity against pathogens.
Current vaccines often do not target the mucosal immune system due to inefficient delivery methods and/or inadequate targeting of mucosal-associated immune cells.
We will develop a platform that can rapidly assess antigen immunity at the mucosa.
We will then characterise and test these antigen molecules for potential use in mucosal vaccines.
The outcome of this project will allow for more strategic design of protective mucosal vaccines for delivery to important livestock animal species in Australia.
Project lead: Dr Komeil Razmi