The aim of the CCHFVaccine project is to develop a vaccine to prevent Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) infections in humans and animals worldwide. The project partners (Karolinaska University, Heath Protection England Inst. Virology of the University of Giessen, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, NIH Hamilton, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut and others) represent a multidisciplinary research network capable of delivering vaccine candidates, methods and procedures for clinical trials, with a particular focus on prevention. The consortium has unique experimental capabilities available for this task to fill the gaps in CCHFV research in immunology and vaccinology. To achieve this overall goal, an intensive work plan will be addressed with the following specific objectives: i) produce vaccine candidates, ii) establish and validate animal models, iii) identify promising vaccine candidates for clinical trials and analyze their immune-mediated protection, v) conduct phase clinical trials and ensure a strategy for effective introduction and use in resource-poor countries, and vi) bring this project to public health organizations and industry. This CCHFVaccine project involves BSL-4 high-security laboratories (state of the art) and the only BSL-4 laboratory in the EU with large animal infection capabilities. Experienced scientists are working in these facilities regarding the development and evaluation of vaccine candidates, involvement of authorities responsible for human and animal health protection. Clinical samples from endemic countries and an international network are available, which has already proven successful in previous EU-funded CCHFever and EDENext projects.
Further information can be found on the project page
https://www.cchfvaccine.eu/
Involved INNT scientists:
Dr. Markus Keller
Dr. Kerstin Fischer
Prof. Dr. Martin H. Groschup
Dr. Benjamin Gutjahr (PostDoc)