Summary
Pertussis resurgence and the urgent need for improved vaccines led our team to develop a robust platform for producing and characterizing outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Bordetella pertussis. These nano-sized vesicles have shown strong immunogenicity, safety, and provide protection in preclinical-models. Our results are published and patented in the US and Brazil.
While OMVs were initially overlooked in vaccinology, recent evidence—including from our group—has highlighted their value not only as self-adjuvants but also as potent immunomodulators. Specifically, Bordetella OMVs induce Th1, Th17, and lung-resident memory T-cell responses—immune profiles underrepresented in the responses to current acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines, yet critical for durable protection and reduced transmission.
Building on our recent work, this project proposes to advance with a novel combined vaccine integrating OMVs with aP formulation. The goal is to synergize their effects, enhancing protection while addressing key limitations of current-vaccines. This formulation also allows for efficient non-inferiority trial designs, facilitating clinical translation.
In parallel, the project addresses a major veterinary health challenge: neonatal calf diarrhea, a widespread and economically significant complex disease. We will work in collaboration with INCUINTA, IABIMO & Pathobiology institutes from INTA, leveraging their extensive expertise in veterinary vaccinology, to develop OMV-based prototypes using a recombinant chimeric antigen. Immunogenicity and/or protection will be tested in mice, guinea pigs, and neonatal calves. Upon proof-of-concept, the veterinary candidate will be transferred to VETANCO&BIOINNOVO, a regional industry leader, ensuring a clear path to scale-up and commercialization. The project supports BactiVac’s mission through strong UK–LMIC scientific collaboration and real-world impact.
Professor Daniela Hozbor
Senior Researcher
Instituto de Biotecnologia y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas
Universidad Nacional de La Plata & CONICET
Argentina
Collaborators:
Dr Andres Wigdorovitz, INCUNTA Director; Principal Researcher CONICET, INVIT; CICVYA INTA, Argentina
Professor Andrew Gorringe, Scientific Leader, Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre, UK Health Security Agency, UK
Dr Breeze Cavell, Project Leader, Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre, UK Health Security Agency, UK