What is your role in the LWNVIVAT project?

I am the project coordinator of this European initiative, which means I manage the grant and consortium agreements, establish collaboration among partners, and ensure that the project objectives and timelines are met. Additionally, as a principal investigator at IrsiCaixa, I am in charge of Work Packages 5 and 6, which are handled by my research group, Immunology.

How did you develop the idea for the LWNVIVAT project?

The West Nile virus is a globally widespread virus that causes outbreaks every year and is an emerging pathogen, making it increasingly important in global health. Finding treatment and prevention methods against this virus is crucial. I am convinced that our work can benefit the global population. Our strategy against this virus is based on put together the strong expertise of the consortium´s partners in immunology, virology, protein modelling, protein production, and vaccine and antibody development. I am very proud of collaborating with some of the best teams in Europe in the LWINVIVAT project.

What is the primary goal of your research area within the LWNVIVAT project?

My research within the LWNVIVAT project focuses on defining the immunogenicity of the vaccine prototypes designed, selected, and produced in other work packages of the project. To achieve this, we will conduct in vivo immunogenicity studies. Additionally, my team is involved in generating antibodies against proteins located on the surface of the West Nile virus.

Why did you decide to focus on developing a vaccine and antibodies?

The West Nile virus is one of the most widespread mosquito-borne pathogens in the world. While most WNV-infected individuals (80%) are asymptomatic, the case-fatality rate increases in immunosuppressed individuals and in the population over 60 years old (up to 30%). To date, there is no prophylaxis or treatment for this disease. Here, we aim to develop a novel WNV vaccine that protects against infection and/or WNV-induced disease, and therapeutic antibodies that can accelerate recovery and reduce the severity of the disease in infected individuals.

What are your latest findings, and what are the next steps for your research?

We are in the initial phase of the project, primarily working on the administrative, communication, and exploitation aspects. However, we are looking forward to analyzing the immunogenicity of the first vaccine candidates that will be ready very soon.