BAXERNA 2.0: Immunopeptidomics-based Development of Next-Generation Bacterial mRNA Vaccines

BAXERNA 2.0 aims to establish a new vaccine development pipeline based on improved immunopeptidomics screening and innovative mRNA vaccine formulation. We use a new pipeline to develop novel mRNA vaccines against A. baumannii that persist within phagocytic cells.

BAXERNA website: https://www.baxerna.eu/vib/

Host-pathogen interaction

We are generating a detailed and mechanistic understanding of the amoebae-A. baumannii interaction by combining established and cutting-edge techniques, including microfluidics, confocal microscopy, and nanobody technology.

Capsule regulation and function(s)

Acinetobacter baumannii’s capsule is critical for resistance and virulence, making it a target of choice for developing new antimicrobial strategies. In this project, we study the roles and regulation of capsule production in various contexts using a set of biosynthesis and assembly pathway mutants.

Capsule structure and virulence

Further, we examine capsule heterogeneity within a collection of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and the role of the capsule’s polysaccharides in virulence and resistance.

Targeted therapy

We are developing novel nanobody-based antimicrobials and antivirulent compounds against Acinetobacter baumannii.

Bacterial surface-exposed protein and structures

We examine the role of the major surface structures and OMPs of Acinetobacter baumannii in virulence, resistance, and host-pathogen interactions.

Fighting amoeba infections

While using the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii as a new cellular infection model, we are also developing novel anti-cystic compounds to fight this amoebal human pathogen.