Seminar by Dr Isabela Pedroza-Pacheco "Immune Environment shapes HIV broadly neutralising antibody responses: Providing rational vaccine design"
HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are difficult to induce in vaccines but are generated in some HIV-infected individuals. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of host control of bnAb induction is critical for vaccine design. Using Systems Immunology approaches, we have identified a predictive blood signature associated with HIV bnAbs, indicative of strong CD4 T follicular helper responses and reduced tolerance constraints. To this end, we will discuss methods and techniques applied to overcome the challenges involved in patient cohorts with limited cell numbers, lack of tissue samples, and data scarcity. These include high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry (38+colours), curtailed in vitro functional assays, and non-human primate models to provide mechanistic insight. Together, these findings suggest mechanistic targets for regulating HIV-1 bnAb responses that could be modulated in vaccine platforms.
Date: 27 February 2023, 12:00
Venue: Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Headington OX3 7FY
Venue Details: This seminar will be held in the Kennedy Lecture Theatre with the option to join via Zoom at https://medsci.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpc-urrDwoGdaHK4aQkUqvEEj9W0pK10VO
Speaker: Dr Isabela Pedroza-Pacheco (Borrow Group, University of Oxford)
Organising department: Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)
Organisers: Ellen Mobbs (Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology), Dr Jelena Bezbradica (The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology), Professor Irina Udalova (Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology)
Organiser contact email address: ellen.mobbs@kennedy.ox.ac.uk
Host: Professor Lynn Dustin (Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology)
Part of: Kennedy Institute Seminars
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://medsci.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpc-urrDwoGdaHK4aQkUqvEEj9W0pK10VO
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Ellen Mobbs