Advisor: M.G. Finn, Ph.D. (School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology)

Committee:

Ravi S. Kane, Ph.D.           (School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology)

Susan N. Thomas, Ph.D. (Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology)

John D. Altman, Ph.D.     (Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University)

Sudhir P. Kasturi, Ph.D.   (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University)

Engineering Virus-like Particle Conjugate Vaccines for Enhanced B Cell Responses

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembling protein nanoparticles that are stable carriers for applications in conjugate vaccine design.  Their durable structure permits the high-density display of antigens imparting enhanced immunogenicity compared to free-antigen counterparts. Previous work has led to a defined VLP glycoconjugate design that achieves high-affinity antibody responses though several features remain unexplored. The modularity of the VLP platform not only permits antigen display but also the conjugation of immunologically interesting molecules to directly assess their influence in vaccine efficacy as well as enable the use of VLPs as a tool to probe fundamental questions about vaccine design. The broad theme of this thesis is to explore new nanoparticle compositions for the optimization of high-affinity antibody responses. Using orthogonal chemical, genetic, and enzymatic methods, this thesis will address the therapeutic relevance of new antigen targets, the immune potential of associating VLPs and adjuvants together, and clarify the relative importance of different helper cell modalities. Each of these aims will contribute to a more thorough understanding of VLP platform properties and how they may modulate the immune response to best achieve the desired humoral response. 

https://gatech.zoom.us/j/8379452691?pwd=RHloZjM0MUQvNEZCdklWaWdCRGZuUT09

Meeting ID: 837 945 2691

Passcode: 118019