To bridge the gap between pre-clinical animal models and human clinical trials, we have developed a novel human lymph node explant model as a tool to investigate adjuvant action in this organ which is the major site where vaccines initiate immunity.
Together with academic and industry collaborators we are investigating various adjuvants, mRNA vaccines and their delivery vehicles, to understand how they stimulate the human immune system.
We are also interested in how long immunity lasts after COVID-19 vaccination and how we can extend its duration, particularly in those at risk of severe COVID – the elderly and immunocompromised.
A more thorough understanding of how vaccines and their components work in humans will allow us to improve the efficacy or reduce the side effects of existing vaccines and more rapidly choose optimal vaccine formulations for new disease threats or specific high risk populations.