Natural immunisation - developing methods to evaluate nasal immunisation
Research archive
- Bristol University, Bristol, UK
- Researchers:
Dr Robert Heyderman, Professor Neil Williams
- Project Number: 0401.0
- Category: Prevention
- Duration:
- Start Date: 01 January 2004
- Type: Lay summary
- View scientific version
Natural immunity to meningococcal B bacteria can develop following fleeting contact between the immune system and meningococcal bacteria at the back of the nose and throat. In studies previously funded by Meningitis Research Foundation, scientists at the University of Bristol have investigated this by looking at human tonsils. In this project, these scientists will be refining the laboratory tools necessary to measure the effect of nasal immunisation with experimental MenB vaccines. They are identifying new mechanisms by which the body naturally maintains mucosal immunity and are using our new laboratory tools to assess responses to other meningitis vaccines. This work will lead to new approaches to the rational testing of meningitis vaccines as they become available. This will provide important insights into immunity against Group B meningococcal disease and help with the design of new vaccines.
This project was featured in our newsletter, Microscope. Click to view.
This project was featured in our 2005 annual review. Click to view.