By promoting basic life sciences research, IMBCAMS has accelerated the development and clinical use of vaccines, offering protecting against diseases.

Emphasizing the fundamentals

IMBCAMS’s success stems from its strength in basic and clinical science. “We focus on both the immunological protection mechanism and the clinical research of vaccines,” Qihan Li, director of IMBCAMS says.

Qihan Li, leads a strong team.

Consider the studies of the EV71 vaccine. By studying the interaction between virus and host’s immune cells and exploring T cell responses and tissue expression characteristics of key inflammatory factors, IMBCAMS researchers revealed the immune-response characteristics of EV71 infection and the possible pathogenesis of severe cases. This knowledge provided the theoretical immunological basis for successful development of the vaccine. In evaluating the vaccine, IMBCAMS researchers analyzed the gene function of peripheral blood monocytes through gene expression profiling technology. They showed that the inactivated EV71 vaccine can mobilize related immune processes without causing significant inflammation, providing evidence of the vaccine’s safety.

The same logic applies to existing vaccines, some of which might have been developed with production methods that are now outdated, or with incomplete understanding of mechanisms of action. At IMBCAMS, researchers targeted existing mumps, rabies, and meningitis vaccines and improved their efficacy and safety.

Addressing new challenges

Of the greatest challenges faced by vaccine developers, one is simply time. The faster vaccine development can occur, without sacrificing safety and efficacy, the more quickly public health officials can stamp out emerging infectious diseases. Few examples are more illustrative than influenza. To accelerate the process of influenza vaccine development, IMBCAMS researchers, based on prior knowledge of the virus, applied a reverse genetic technology, which uses known viral genetic sequences to create a weakened virus. This allowed for rapid generation of strains, enabling quick response to influenza outbreaks, and to diseases like dengue fever, Zika, and more.

IMBCAMS researchers have also used the reverse vaccinology technique to identify effective antigens and transform vaccine strains for pathogens that may have unique life cycles and infection characteristics or are difficult to amplify in large quantities.

Technologies they used to address the challenge also include gene editing, recombinant design, bioinformatics screening, bionic nanotechnology, and high-density fermentation preparation.

Gene editing technologies for establishing animal disease models

Another emerging need if developing universal vaccines or multivalent vaccines for diseases caused by various types of pathogens, or to address frequent pathogen mutations. IMBCAMS researchers have developed technologies for analyzing and identifying conserved antigen epitopes, enabling efficient antigen design and preparation. Utilizing innate immune response and memory, they are also exploring new strategies for developing universal vaccines that induce effective protection against multiple types of pathogens.

Many researchers believe vaccines will move from preventing infectious diseases to becoming therapeutic interventions for non-communicable diseases, sch as asthma, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and cancer, and IMBCAMS is preparing for this future. It is focusing on bioinformatics screening and recombinant preparation of antigens, efficient delivery with nano systems, regulation of immune response and of the immunity environment. That basic understanding, translated for the clinic, could fuel new generation vaccines.

“As a comprehensive research institution and production base for vaccines, we will continue safeguard the health of people in China and beyond.” Li says.

Viral Cultivation Preparation