Prize granted to scientist to improve TB vaccines
The research will target bovine TB, and will use the grant to address the ongoing economic impact of the disease.
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBRSC) has awarded structural biologist, Dr Jean van den Elsen the £240,000 Follow-on Funding award for developing new vaccine technology.
The award is part of a programme that supports researchers in translating their work into the maximum economic and societally beneficial outcomes.
Dr van den Elsen’s research has lead to the discovery that a new protein developed in his lab stimulates an immune response which can protect against pathogens, in particular TB bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Developed in collaboration with researchers at Newcastle University, the protein could potentially be incorporated into a safe and more cost effective single-dose vaccine.
The research will target bovine TB, and will use the grant to address the ongoing economic impact of the disease. Dr van den Elsen said: “Worldwide bovine tuberculosis can cause severe economic losses from livestock deaths, chronic disease and trade restrictions.”
In the last 10 years, controlling bovine TB has cost £500 million in England.
“We’re aiming to improve a vaccine’s ability to be given on a single dose basis and improve rates of protection, which would vastly reduce vaccination costs and provide increased safety.”
The research technology may extend to addressing other areas, particularly cancer and autoimmune disease.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
