Thesis supervisor: Csaba Bajusz
Location of studies (in Hungarian): HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged Abbreviation of location of studies: SZBK
Description of the research topic:
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly contagious double stranded DNA virus that mainly infects macrophages and dendritic cells of domestic pig and wild boars. Since the main host cells are antigen presenting cells (APCs), many ASFV genes encode immunomodulatory proteins. The genome of the virus is approximately 170-190 kpb long, and the genetic analyses demonstrated there are 160 open reading frames in the viral genome. The virus causes hemorrhagic fever, leading to high mortality in infected animals and there is no available vaccine or medical treatment that provides appropriate protection against it. The key solution to overcome the issues caused by ASFV is the development of a protective vaccine. The complex structure and nature of the ASFV greatly complicates the development of an effective vaccine. Currently, most protective antigens against ASFV are insufficient to provide full protection. Inactivated and genetically-engineered vaccines (subunit, DNA and vector vaccines) are safe although they fail to provide complete and appropriate protection without the deterioration of health conditions. Several ASFV vaccine developmental studies focus on the generation of modified live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) which carry a potential and significant risk due to the possibilities of reversion and residual virulence. Of note, there is no evidence in the ASFV literature regarding the usage of LNP formulated nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines. Therefore, the aim of the project is to develop and immunologically characterize an mRNA-LNP prototype vaccine against ASFV. The candidate will participate in the immunological characterization of the selected ASFV antigens, as well as in the development and implementation of vaccine modifications to enhance efficacy, gaining expertise in various molecular biology (DNA cloning, PCR, in vitro transcription, dot blot), immunological (ELISA, ELISpot, HAI, and T-cell polyfunctional essays), and cellular methods. Additionally, candidate will gain insight into the experimental use of the mRNA-LNP technological chain.
Required language skills: English Recommended language skills (in Hungarian): English Further requirements: proactivity; actively seeks new opportunities for learning; precise and accurate personality
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2024-08-31
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
Login
