Department of Infectious Disease Immunology
Vaccination is one of the most efficient tools to safe lives and to protect against diseases caused by pathogens. At the Department of Infectious Disease Immunology we perform research within vaccinology and infectious diseases. The Departments research is internally renowned and leading within the key-areas: Infectious disease models, antigen-discovery, delivery systems and immunemonitoring
The Department of Infectious Disease Immunology is primarily focused on the development of next-generation vaccines with an emphasis on Chlamydia (one of the leading infectious causes of blindness and infertility worldwide) and Tuberculosis (one of the most serious infectious diseases in the world, causing approximately 2 million deaths every year). In addition, basic studies on the interactions between the immune system and the pathogens are performed involving a variety of tools including antigen discovery, proteomics, transcriptomics as well as advanced animals models.
The Department also investigates the early innate signals that initiate and activates the immune system. This work forms the basis for developing next generation adjuvants and delivery systems. This research has led to the establishment of Center for Nano-Vaccine where the adjuvant systems will be modified to fit different vaccines e.g. against Group A Streptococcus and Influenza.
Vision
Our vision is to improve global health through novel vaccines and diagnostics
The Department performs translational research with a clear focus on the final products to be used in humans. As a result of this work, the Department has a novel synthetic adjuvant (CAF01) as well as several tuberculosis vaccines in clinical trials and a number of other vaccines in late preclinical development. In addition, technology developed by the Department has been out-licensed and forms the basis of the most successful new diagnostic tests for tuberculosis – the QuantIFERON and T.spot.TB tests.
Our work has received substantial funding by both national and international organizations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the European Framework Programs, The Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation and The Danish Council for Strategic Research. Read more about our consortia and research collaborations.
The department is organisationally placed in Vaccine R&D, and is divided into three research groups: Tuberculosis Vaccine Research, Chlamydia Vaccine Research, and Vaccine Formulation and Delivery. The Department has a staff of approximately 45 employees and is headed by Else Marie Agger.
Last revised 24 February 2012