Scientists from the University of Surrey are set to receive a share of £4 million to help tackle the growing biosecurity threat faced by the UK.
Funded by the UKRI-BBSRC and Defra, and led by The Pirbright Institute, the project will develop an mRNA vaccine platform for use across major livestock species. This platform will help prepare for future epidemics, tackle antimicrobial resistance, and accelerate the development of next-generation animal vaccines.
The Surrey team, led by Dr Jai Mehat and including Prof. Roberto La Ragione, will focus on the development of an mRNA vaccine for avian pathogenic, E. coli, by examining different proteins and determining how well they trigger immune responses. Avian pathogenic, E. coli, causes considerable economic losses to the global poultry sector.
Dr Jai Mehat, Lecturer in Molecular Bacteriology at the University of Surrey, said:
“RNA vaccines have already demonstrated transformative potential for human health. By optimising this platform for use in food-producing animals, we will develop a rapid, adaptable approach to tackling both endemic and emerging infectious diseases.
“E. coli in poultry poses a considerable threat to the global poultry sector, which underpins affordable protein for a growing human population. In addition to threatening the security of our food chain, pathogenic E. coli is a significant reservoir of antimicrobial resistance. Developing improved vaccines to protect poultry against E. coli will reduce reliance on antibiotics and limit the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, safeguarding food safety and security.”
As part of the project, the Surrey team will also work with leading experts from the Roslin Institute, the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) and CPI's RNA Centre of Excellence. The project will work to develop vaccines targeting other high-priority livestock diseases: influenza A virus (IAV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and bluetongue virus (BTV).
Professor Dan Horton, Director of Science at The Pirbright Institute, said:
“RNA vaccine technology has demonstrated huge value in protecting human health. By optimising this platform for livestock, and supporting vaccine innovation through our leading-edge CVIM facility, we have an opportunity to transform how we respond to animal diseases and improve resilience across farming systems.”
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Notes to editors:
For more information and to bid for an interview with Dr Jai Mehat or Professor La Ragione please email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk