Vaccinology Group - continued

The Vaccinology Group, which has expertise in bovine and porcine immunology, molecular virology and cell biology, is a cross-site group. Scientists at Compton Laboratory work on endemic viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whilst scientists at Pirbright study exotic viruses such as African swine fever virus (ASFV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and bluetongue virus. The main focus of the Group is to:

  • Analyse the molecular determinants of virulence of BRSV in order to identify suitable attenuated virus vaccine candidates
  • determine the mechanisms of immunity to these viruses
  • identify the antigens recognised by protective immune responses
  • determine the role of viral proteins in evasion of the protective immune response
  • determine the type of antigen delivery system required for effective vaccination

BRSV is the most important primary viral cause of respiratory disease in young calves in the UK. [more]

The other viruses that we study are exotic to the UK, although they are a potential threat. Indeed, bluetongue virus caused outbreaks in England in 2007. ASFV, although normally found in Africa, is encroaching into Europe, as has happened most recently in 2007. There is no vaccine against ASFV. [more] We are also investigating novel approaches to the control of FMDV. [more]