Novel Vaccine Platforms For Influenza
Answering the need for improved vaccines to address current challenges
Existing commercial influenza vaccines have major drawbacks. We aim to develop the next-generation influenza vaccines to overcome these limitations, in order to confront annual seasonal outbreaks of influenza as well as influenza pandemics.
Our vaccines are designed to induce long-lasting, potent, and broadly reactive immune responses against both human and animal influenza viruses. With the findings generated from this program, and the novel immune correlates identified from the HHGP – Hong Kong project developed by C2i, we will select and generate the most promising vaccine candidates.
Developing universal influenza vaccines mediating T cell-based broad cross-subtype protection
Developing live-attenuated vaccines
Investigating vaccine mismatch
Influenza vaccine preparation
Egg inoculation is a safe and traditional method in which viruses used for vaccine production are introduced into chicken eggs.
This time-tested approach allows for the replication of viruses within the eggs, and the resulting viral material harvested from the allantoic fluid is purified and used as a basis for vaccine production.
Vaccine development strategies
Our vaccine development strategies are the result of decades of rigorous and extensive basic research. This research forms the foundation upon which we build our improved vaccination programs, ensuring their effectiveness and safety, and determines how vaccines can be designed to elicit a robust and enduring immune response.
This program is designed to create technology-based startups that offer significant potential for playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and their commercialization and translation into real-world solutions.
These startups will leverage cutting-edge technologies to accelerate the process of bringing vaccines from the laboratory to market. We generate the necessary expertise to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and to establish strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical companies or healthcare organizations.
Key research staff in the team
We have a multidisciplinary team in this program with a proven track record of previous collaboration who have contributed to the initial work (already published with some patents) on these novel vaccine strategies.
Malik Peiris and Leo LM Poon (HKU) are molecular virologists who have extensive experience in influenza virology and “universal influenza vaccine” development.
Sophie A Valkenburg (HKU-PRP) is an immunologist who studies influenza virus-induced immune responses in mice/humans.
John M Nicholls (HKU) is a pathologist who studies influenza virus-induced pathological changes in animals/humans.
Hui-Ling Yen (HKU) is a virologist expert in using animal models (e.g. mouse and ferret) to study influenza virus pathogenicity and transmission.
Liyanage P Perera (NIH, USA) is a translational research scientist and his research focuses on applying vaccinia virus-based vector approach to treat cancer and infectious diseases. He also has experience in human clinical trials.
The team holds multiple relevant patents. The experimental animal studies needed will be carried out at the world-class HKU Bio-safety level three facility.
THE TEAM
Professor Mark Zanin
Assistant Professor
Dr. Alex Chin
Research Assistant Professor
3917 7531
Dr. Lei Hui
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Weiwen Liang
Technical Officer
Dr. Lin Wengui
Post-Doctoral Fellow
Tom Shuen
Research Assistant I
Mandy Ho
Research Assistant I
Wong Sie Yeng
Research Assistant I
Queenie Deng
Research Assistant I
Krishnan S. Pavithra
Research Assistant I
Gigi Leung
Research Assistant I
Ivan Lu
Research Assistant I
Rina Su
Research Assistant I
Norma Chan
Research Assistant I
Hoikiu Poon
Research Assistant I