Research

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 pathways mutants.

Capsule structure and virulence

Further, we study the capsule heterogeneity within a collection of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and the involvement of the capsule’s polysaccharides in a virulence context.

Targeted therapy

We work on developing novel, nanobody-based antimicrobials and antivirulents for specific targeting of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Comparative genomics and bacterial structures

We explore what role the major surface structures of Acinetobacter baumannii play in virulence, resistance, and host-pathogen interaction contexts. Furthermore, we also examine putative plasmid-borne virulence factors.