In a significant step towards combating the West Nile virus, the kick-off meeting of the European project LWNVIVAT brought together over 30 researchers from around the world. Recently held in Barcelona, the team outlined their objectives and expressed their commitment to spearheading research and development efforts against the virus. 

LWNVIVAT, a groundbreaking initiative, aims to delve into the intricacies of the West Nile virus, focusing primarily on studying its characteristics and behavior. This collaborative effort is poised to pave the way for the development of advanced vaccines and antibodies to effectively combat the virus. 

During the kick-off meeting, participants shared insights into the 9 work packages and outlined the strategic roadmap that will guide the project’s trajectory. The initial session focused on designing novel immunogens against the West Nile Virus, as well as the production, purification, and characterization of immunogens and the production and purification of VLPs. Following a coffee break, discussions covered immunogenicity prediction and studies of candidate molecules, the generation of novel monoclonal antibodies, studies in vivo, regulatory activities, GMP manufacturing plans, and the communication, dissemination, and exploitation of the project. 

The initiation of the LWNVIVAT project symbolizes a united front against infectious diseases, highlighting the power of international collaboration in the pursuit of public health advancements. The commitment displayed at the kick-off meeting sets a promising tone for the anticipated future successes in the fight against the West Nile virus.