Activity 1 comprises scientific activities focused on cutting-edge research with the goal of developing personalized healthcare. Special emphasis is placed on advancing knowledge in the field of viral immunology, the development of viral and tumor vaccines, and innovative immunotherapeutics.
For more effective implementation, Activity 1 is divided into several thematic subactivities.
Although innate immunity has traditionally been considered to lack memory potential, recent studies have shown the existence of immune-memory-like responses in NK cells, especially in the context of CMV infection. In the mouse model, these responses depend on the interaction between the viral protein m157 and the Ly49H receptor on NK cells.
Nevertheless, the mechanisms that regulate the formation of memory NK cells and their functional role are still not fully understood. In addition, it has been shown that perinatal infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) significantly affects NK-cell development: it accelerates their maturation, but at the same time impairs their functionality.
Within this subactivity, research will focus on:
Most existing knowledge about the immune response is based on analyses of blood and individual immune niches. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the immune response differs significantly between tissues and organs.
The aim of this sub-activity is to identify protective mechanisms of the immune system in different tissues, while also understanding the mechanisms that contribute to tissue damage during infection.
The research will include:
This subactivity focuses on the immunobiology of recombinant vector vaccines based on CMV, with particular emphasis on mucosal immunity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident that parenterally administered vaccines induce weaker immunity in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract, where the virus enters the body. Therefore, research will examine the potential use of CMV as a vector and alternative routes of immunization, especially the intranasal approach. Recombinant CMV vectors expressing cellular ligands for activating receptors and SARS-CoV-2 antigens have already been developed.
Further research will compare mucosal and systemic immune responses and the duration of protection after infection. In parallel, recombinant mumps viruses are being investigated as vector vaccines, including their genetic stability and the effect of additional transcriptional units on viral biology.
Viral infections strongly affect the metabolism of the organism, and these changes may play a key role in the immune response.
Research is focused on:
Recent pandemics have highlighted the importance of understanding the immune response to highly pathogenic viruses.
This subactivity focuses on research into immune mechanisms during infection with orthohantaviruses and SARS-CoV-2, including:
The aim of this subactivity is to develop new immunotherapeutic approaches based on monoclonal antibodies. The focus is on proteins from the nectin family, which play an important role in regulating the immune response.
The results of previous research have led to the development of the NTX1088 antibody, which is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. Research will also be expanded to other target molecules, including CD112R and TIGIT, as well as pathogens that contribute to the tumor microenvironment.
This subactivity is focused on advancing biopharmaceuticals and developing new production technologies.
Key areas include:
Particular emphasis is placed on the development of advanced methods for analytical characterization and virus production, including HCMV and other relevant viral systems.
Activity 1 represents the foundation of the scientific work of the CerVirVac project and integrates basic and applied research with the aim of developing new therapeutic and preventive approaches. In this way, the project makes a significant contribution to the development of personalized medicine.
