Theme 4: Medical Countermeasures

This theme focuses on the development of diagnostics tests, supporting evaluation of potential treatments and better use of vaccines. We will develop high throughput sequencing based serology (PhIPSeq) for key pathogens using phage display and evaluate these against more conventional assays. In partnership with other HPRUs (Genomics and Respiratory) we will develop a sequencing toolkit for emerging infections. We will also continue our work developing lateral flow point-of-care tests, e.g. CCHF, and avian influenza, and investigate rapid diagnostic T cell assays. Our modelling work will help decisions about where best to deploy tests early in an outbreak, when there is limited availability. Our diagnostic work will focus on key respiratory (influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV), vector-borne (including dengue and TBEV), and viral haemorrhagic fever viruses (Lassa, and CCHF). Where needed, we will use Containment Level 4 laboratories at UKHSA and DSTL. To help evaluate therapeutic options for emerging pathogens, we will extend our recent work modelling drug knowledge libraries for avian influenza. Vaccine mistrust and inequity is growing, leading to measles and whooping cough outbreaks. We will work to better understand mistrust and inequities in vaccine use, especially among marginalised communities.

Initial Projects

• Developing next generation diagnostic tools
• Vaccine access and equity
• Use of initial diagnostic tests

Theme Leads

• Dr Emily Adams, University of Oxford
• Dr Catherine Houlihan, UKHSA