Work Packages
WP1
Design of new vaccine candidates
Main objective: To develop four new vaccines using different approaches, all aimed at triggering an immune response against the same specific proteins of the COVID-19 virus.
Details: These vaccines include innovative approaches, such as using new mRNA technology and other vaccine platforms. One of the vaccines will be produced by Moderna through their mRNA access program. The goal is to create vaccines that include optimized virus proteins to enhance their effectiveness.
WP2
Comparing vaccine platforms in preclinical models
Main objective: To compare the immune response and protection provided by the four vaccine platforms in animal models.
Details: We will test the vaccines in mice and later in non-human primates (NHPs) to see which combinations work best. The research will also help us understand how the immune system responds over the long term.
WP3
Experimental medicine trial
Main objective: To conduct a human clinical trial to study how two experimental vaccines and two approved vaccines boost existing immune responses against COVID-19.
Details: This trial will test the vaccines on healthy volunteers and compare their immune responses. The trial will be carefully coordinated and monitored for safety, and data will be collected and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccines.
WP4
Studying innate immunity
Main objective: To analyze the early immune responses triggered after vaccination, which are key to long-term immunity.
Details: We will use advanced techniques to study how the body’s innate immune system (the first line of defense) reacts shortly after vaccination. This includes analyzing immune cells, proteins in the blood, and gene activity to better understand what leads to strong, lasting immunity.
WP5
Analysis of antibody and B cell responses
Main objective: To study how the body produces antibodies and B cells (which help remember the virus) after vaccination.
Details: We will track the levels of antibodies over time and examine the properties of memory B cells, which are critical for long-term protection against COVID-19. This will be done in both animal models and in human trials.
WP6
Analysis of T cell memory responses
Main objective: To study how T cells (another type of immune cell) respond to vaccines over the long term.
Details: We will track T cell activity over time in human clinical trials to understand how vaccines help create lasting T cell immunity, which is important for fighting off infections.
WP7
Data science and analysis
Main objective: To make sense of the immunological data collected from the project and use it to improve vaccine strategies.
Details: A secure database will be created to store all the data from the different work packages. Advanced analysis will help identify patterns in immune responses, and mathematical models will be built to predict how long immunity might last and which vaccine combinations work best.
WP8
Stakeholder perspectives on pandemic preparedness
Main objective: To gather the opinions, concerns, and needs of different groups affected by pandemic preparedness strategies, especially around vaccines.
Details: This includes studying what people think about vaccines, understanding any concerns or hesitations, and making recommendations to improve acceptance and access to vaccines in future pandemics.
WP9
Coordination, management, and dissemination
Main objective: To manage the project effectively and share its results with the right audiences.
Details: This includes ensuring the project runs smoothly, coordinating between all partners, and communicating the findings to the public and scientific community. The team will also make sure any intellectual property (IP) from the project is protected and used properly.