E!4692, VASIP, Intervacc

Purpose and goal:

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important endemic pathogen generating significant economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. Piglets develop disease post-weaning at between 4 and 10 weeks of age as the levels of maternal antibodies, which were passively acquired via the consumption of colostrum, wane. In this project we will develop and optimise the manufacturing process for a new fusion protein vaccine and measure the protection provided against a diverse type of S. suis, directing the design of clinical trials.

Expected results and effects:

This project will generate scaleable processes for the vaccine components, which are suitable for the manufacture of vaccine doses for use in clinical trials and commercial production. The project will also measure the protection that is provided by the vaccine against a diverse type of S. suis, and determine if specific antibody responses that are generated by vaccination correlate with the observed protection in piglets.

Approach and implementation:

The innovative technical approach used in this project fuses several proteins together at the gene level, so that multiple antigenic structures are produced as one single molecule to reduce cost and simplify production. The manufacturing processes will be developed in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Testa Center, informed by expertise in the production of Strangvac, a fusion protein vaccine against strangles in horses.

The effectiveness of the vaccine will be measured in collaboration with Moredun Scientific in the UK.