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Uganda Virus Research Institute

REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

Immunology

Department of Immunology

The Department of Immunology at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) stands as a regional leader in advancing immunological research to combat emerging and re-emerging viral threats. Our mission is to clarify the complexities of host immune responses to viral infections and translate these insights into tools for epidemic preparedness, vaccine development, and public health interventions. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including 10X Genomics single-cell sequencing, Luminometers, Mesoscale Discovery immune profiling, and Luminex serology, we are at the forefront of immunological innovation in East and Central Africa.

Our research spans HIV-1 COVID-19, Ebola, Marburg, Mpox, Rift Valley Fever, and Yellow Fever, focusing on understanding immune correlates of protection, discovering monoclonal antibodies, and developing scalable assays for clinical trials. We collaborate extensively with international partners, ensuring that our work not only meets global standards but also addresses the unique challenges faced by our region.

Our capabilities include detailed antibody response profiling through advanced assays like ELISA, pseudovirus neutralization assays, and Luminex-based multiplex serology. We characterize not only binding and neutralising antibodies but also investigate non-neutralising functionalities and the biophysical properties of antibodies that contribute to immune protection. This enables us to identify key correlates of protection against viruses under investigation.

We excel in deciphering T-cell responses through cellular methodologies, including ELISpot, flow cytometry, and cytokine profiling via Luminex assays. These tools allow us to map the breadth, specificity, and functionality of T-cell immunity, which is critical for understanding vaccine-induced responses and natural infection outcomes. Our research also delves into the molecular mechanisms underpinning immune responses, employing single-cell RNA sequencing, VDJ sequencing, and analysis of somatic hypermutations to elucidate gene expression profiles and antibody repertoire diversity associated with disease outcomes.

Central to our mission is the development of human capacity, fostering the next generation of African immunologists through mentorship, training programs, and graduate research supervision. Our department is deeply committed to capacity building, regional collaborations, and mentorship to ensure sustainable scientific growth and epidemic preparedness in Uganda and across East and Central Africa.

The Department of Immunology at UVRI is dedicated to translating immunological insights into practical solutions for global health challenges, with a solid focus on scientific excellence, innovation, and impact.



The department focuses on ;

Study of Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccine Development Project

This government-funded project aims to develop an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine and establish a platform for future vaccine development. Our pre-clinical evaluations focus on the safety and immunogenicity of vaccine candidates, with the goal of enhancing Uganda's readiness for emerging epidemics.

Capacity- for vaccine development
This initiative has facilitated the transfer of vaccine development capabilities to UVRI, including the optimization of inactivated vaccine platforms, immunoassay validation, and pre-clinical assessments. It supports training for immunologists, lab technologists, and researchers, strengthening local capacity for epidemic response.

Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Discovery

We are engaged in cutting-edge research on self-amplifying RNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2, focusing on evaluating their immunogenicity and potential to provide rapid responses to emerging variants. This work contributes to the global effort to develop flexible and scalable vaccine platforms.

Capacity for sa-RNA vaccine discovery
Our expertise in immunogenicity assays and collaborative networks supports the rapid evaluation and deployment of novel vaccine technologies, enhancing global epidemic preparedness.

Study of SARS-CoV-2 Immune Responses and Monoclonal Antibody Discovery

Our department leads comprehensive immune profiling studies to understand the evolution of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccines. These studies focus on identifying biomarkers of protection and characterizing antibody responses against diverse variants, including the A.23.1 strain. Supported by GIISER funding, we utilize cutting-edge technologies such as 10x Genomics and Mesoscale Discovery (MSD) immunoprofiling to advance our understanding of protective immunity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Capacity for Advanced Immuno-Profiling

We have successfully established monoclonal antibody discovery pipelines through collaborations with prestigious institutions like the La Jolla Institute for Immunology and King's College London. Our capabilities now include antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays, peptide array mapping, and single-cell RNA sequencing, empowering us to isolate and characterize potent antibodies for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Study of Marburg Virus Correlates of Protection (VacICoP Project)

The "VacICoP" study, funded by Wellcome and CEPI, aims to identify immune correlates of protection for the ChAd3-Marburg Glycoprotein vaccine. This groundbreaking research employs Fc functional assays, antibody avidity profiling, and structural biology to accelerate vaccine development for Marburg virus disease. Our work in this domain will be pivotal for informing global vaccine licensure strategies and enhancing epidemic preparedness.

Capacity for High-Stakes Filovirus Research

Our department boasts validated immunological assays for Ebola and Marburg, including ELISA< ELISpot, neutralization and PRNT assays. We also provide oversight for PBMC processing and assay training, strengthening regional laboratories like the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in the DRC. This capacity ensures robust support for clinical trials and epidemic responses in East and Central Africa.

Study of Immune Responses in HIV-1 PrEPVacc Clinical Trials – Immunogenicity Coordination

We are coordinating immunogenicity assessments for the multi-site HIV-1 PrEPVacc trial, covering Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. This trial evaluates novel HIV vaccine regimens, aiming to inform global strategies for HIV prevention. Our site leads the endpoint immunogenicity testing, demonstrating our capacity to handle large-scale, multi-country vaccine trials.

Capacity for Multi-Site Immunogenicity Trials

Our team is proficient in managing complex clinical trial endpoints, performing ELISpot, ELISA, and neutralization assays with high accuracy. Our leadership in PrEPVacc has fostered collaboration with international institutions and trained a cadre of African scientists in clinical trial immunogenicity assessments. We emphasize quality control, assay validation, and strategic oversight, ensuring high standards in HIV vaccine research.

Rift Valley Fever and Ebola Vaccine Trials

Our team leads the endpoint immunogenicity assessments for Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and Ebola vaccine trials, utilising advanced assays such as PRNT, ELISpot, ELISA and pseudovirus neutralization. These studies aim to identify immune correlates of protection and inform vaccine licensure.

Capacity for Trial Endpoint Immunogeniicty
We provide strategic oversight and quality assurance for multi-site trials, enhancing regional research capabilities and ensuring compliance with international standards. Our collaborations with partners in DRC, South Sudan, and Kenyafoster cross-border epidemic preparedness.

Study of Mpox Diagnostics and Surveillance

Through the CEPI-funded Mpox surveillance project, we are characterizing Clade 1b Mpox viruses and optimizing diagnostic assays to improve epidemic response capabilities. Our work involves serological, molecular, and immunological analyses to understand transmission dynamics and enhance regional diagnostic capacity.

Capacity for Regional Collaboration

We collaborate with partners in Burundi, the DRC, and South Sudan, strengthening diagnostic and surveillance capacities across East and Central Africa. Our laboratories are equipped with Luminex and PCR technologies to support comprehensive Mpox diagnostics and vaccine preparedness.

Study of Virus Surveillance for resistance to bnAbs

Supported by the IAVI Virus Surveillance program, we investigate the sensitivity of historical and contemporary viral strains to broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). This research informs monoclonal antibody discovery and vaccine design for HIV, COVID-19, and filoviruses.

Capacity for Monoclonal Antibody Discovery

We have established platforms for isolating and characterizing bnAbs, including germline profiling and structural analysis. Our collaborations with global partners ensure we remain at the cutting edge of antibody research, enhancing Uganda's role in developing therapeutic and diagnostic tools for viral diseases.

Study of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and Vaccine Development

We are involved in the "Identifying Rift Valley Correlates of Protection" project, funded by CEPI and Wellcome. This study aims to determine immune markers predictive of RVF vaccine efficacy, addressing a critical public health threat in Africa.

Capacity for Arbovirus Research

Our laboratory supports RVF diagnostics, immune profiling, and vaccine assessments, ensuring preparedness for arboviral outbreaks. We collaborate with regional institutions to build capacity and share expertise in RVF research and diagnostics.

Study of Monoclonal Antibody Discovery and Germline Research

In partnership with King’s College, NIH, and La Jolla Institute for Immunology, this research focuses on discovering monoclonal antibodies against HIV, Ebola, Marburg, and SARS-CoV-2. The study employs advanced techniques like Fc functional assays, peptide arrays, and single-cell RNA sequencing.

Capacity for monoclonal antibody (mAb) discovery
This initiative has introduced cutting-edge technologies, such as 10x Genomics and RatPig, to UVRI. We provide hands-on training for scientists and students in monoclonal antibody discovery, structural biology, and immunogenetics, fostering innovation in viral immunology research.

 

General Goal:

To advance cutting-edge immunological research, enhancing epidemic preparedness, and developing transformative vaccine solutions for viral diseases impacting Africa and the global community. Our overarching goal is to drive innovation in vaccine development, immune profiling, and pathogen surveillance to mitigate the threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

 

Specific Objectives of the Department/unit

  • Strategic Focus Areas

    1. Innovative Vaccine Research and Development:
      Spearheading the development of vaccines for priority pathogens such as COVID-19, Marburg, Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and Mpox. Our department leads pre-clinical evaluations, immunogenicity assessments, and the establishment of robust vaccine platforms to enhance Uganda's and the region's epidemic readiness.
    2. Correlates of Protection and Biomarker Discovery:
      Identifying immune correlates of protection to expedite vaccine licensure and improve public health interventions. Our research on vaccines such as ChAd3-MARV and COVID-19 contributes to understanding protective immunity, informing vaccine design, and supporting global epidemic preparedness.
    3. Advancing Immunoassay Development and Validation:
      Establishing and validating key immunological assays – including ELISA, ELISpot, Pseudovirus Neutralization, and Luminex serology – to support clinical trials for viral vaccines. As a CEPI Centralized Laboratory Network (CLN) leader, we ensure assay standardization and high-quality outputs for epidemic response.
    4. Surveillance and Pathogen Diversity Discovery:
      Enhancing regional and global surveillance capabilities through virus-specific immune profiling and genomic studies. Our work on SARS-CoV-2, HIV, Mpox, and other viruses aims to understand pathogen diversity and evolution, strengthening early detection and response mechanisms.
    5. Capacity Building and Mentorship:
      Fostering the next generation of African scientists through mentorship, graduate training, and strategic collaborations with international institutions like NIH, King’s College, and the La Jolla Institute for Immunology. Our personalized approach ensures scientific excellence and leadership development.
    6. Strategic Partnerships and Global Engagement:
      Driving collaborations with WHO, CEPI, IAVI, and other global health entities to enhance research capacity and support epidemic preparedness. Our involvement in initiatives like the WHO CoViNet and the IAEA pan-African laboratory network reinforces UVRI's role as a regional Centre of Excellence.

 

Activities include: 

  • Cutting-Edge Vaccine Development Initiatives

    • COVID-19 Vaccine Development: Spearheading the local development of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine platform. Our team is conducting pilot pre-clinical investigations to assess safety and immunogenicity, transferring critical vaccine development capacity to Uganda and enhancing readiness for future epidemics.
    • Marburg Virus Vaccine Correlates of Protection (VacICoP): Leading the groundbreaking ChAd3-MARVvaccine study to identify immune markers that accelerate Marburg vaccine development. This Wellcome- and CEPI-funded project integrates advanced immunological assays, such as antibody avidity, Fc functional profiling, and scRNAseq, to revolutionize global epidemic preparedness.
    • Mpox Vaccine Readiness: Establishing and validating PRNT and Luminex serology assays to support upcoming Mpox vaccine trials in collaboration with the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), bolstering regional epidemic response capacity.

    Centralized Immunogenicity Assessment

    • CEPI Centralized Laboratory Network (CLN): Serving as the designated Sub-Saharan Africa hub for evaluating vaccine candidates against epidemic and pandemic diseases. We develop, validate, and optimize ELISA, ELISpot, Neutralization, and PRNT assays to support clinical trials for COVID-19, Ebola, Marburg, and Mpox.
    • HIV PrEPVacc Clinical Trial: Successfully coordinating immunogenicity assessments for the multi-site PrEPVacctrial across Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa. Our team ensures high-quality endpoint immunogenicity testing and external quality assurance (EQA) compliance.

    State-of-the-Art Immune Profiling

    • COVID-19 Immunoprofiling: Conducting comprehensive immune response studies to natural SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Identifying biomarkers of protection and informing vaccine efficacy through advanced techniques, including 10x Genomics, Fc glycosylation profiling, and monoclonal antibody discovery.
    • Broad Viral Pathogen Surveillance: Implementing virus-specific assays (ELISA, Pseudovirus Neutralization, Luminex) for diseases such as Ebola, Yellow Fever, and Rift Valley Fever. These efforts support national and regional epidemic preparedness initiatives.

    Capacity Building and Technology Transfer

    • International Partnerships: Collaborating with King's College, NIH, and La Jolla Institute for Immunology to advance monoclonal antibody discovery and germline research. Introducing cutting-edge technologies such as 10x Genomics and MSD immunoprofiling to the region.
    • Mentorship and Training: Providing hands-on mentorship to MSc and PhD students, fostering the next generation of immunologists. Conducting workshops and training programs on immune assays, vaccine development, and laboratory techniques to build regional research capacity.

    High-Impact Research and Global Health Contributions

    • WHO CoViNet Participation: Leading assessments of SARS-CoV-2 variant immune evasion (e.g., JN.1 strain) to inform WHO vaccine policy and global health strategies.
    • Pan-African Laboratory Networks: Coordinating multi-country initiatives to study HIV diversity, T-cell responses, and correlates of protection, contributing to HIV vaccine research and preparedness.
    • Epidemic Preparedness: Rapidly adapting laboratory capabilities to address emerging threats like Dengue and Zika viruses, ensuring readiness for regional and global outbreaks.

    Research Excellence and Innovation

    • Monoclonal Antibody Discovery: Pioneering the discovery of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against HIV, Ebola, Marburg, and COVID-19. These efforts inform the design of next-generation vaccines and therapeutic strategies.
    • Fc Functional Profiling: Integrating advanced assays to assess antibody-mediated effector functions, driving insights into protective immunity and informing vaccine correlates of protection.

Recent Impact and Achievements

Advancing Vaccine Development and Immunological Research

  1. COVID-19 Vaccine Development
    • Spearheaded Uganda’s first inactivated COVID-19 vaccine development, currently in pilot pre-clinical investigations, enhancing national capacity for vaccine production and future epidemic preparedness.
    • Identified biomarkers of protection specific to the Ugandan population through comprehensive immune profiling of natural infection and vaccine responses.
  2. Marburg Virus Correlates of Protection
    • Awarded a £5 million Wellcome and CEPI grant in 2024 for the groundbreaking study "VacICoP" focused on identifying immune correlates of protection for Marburg virus vaccines.
    • Implemented cutting-edge immunological assays, including Fc functional profiling, antibody avidity, and single-cell RNA sequencing, to accelerate Marburg vaccine development.
  3. CEPI Centralized Laboratory Network (CLN)
    • Established UVRI as a CEPI-designated centralized testing facility for Sub-Saharan Africa, conducting immunogenicity assessments for vaccines targeting Ebola, Marburg, Mpox, and COVID-19.
    • Developing and validating five critical immunological assays (ELISA, ELISpot, Pseudovirus Neutralization, Plaque Reduction Neutralization, Luminex Serology), enhancing readiness for clinical trials.
  4. Global Research Collaborations
    • Partnered with NIH, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, and King’s College to advance monoclonal antibody discovery for diseases like HIV, Ebola, and COVID-19.
    • Coordinated a pan-African HIV laboratory network spanning 5 countries, generating insights into HIV diversity and immune responses, critical for vaccine development.

Epidemic Preparedness and Response

  1. Mpox Surveillance and Vaccine Readiness
    • Optimizing serological testing and supported PBMC processing for Mpox vaccine trials in collaboration with INRB, DRC.
  2. WHO CoViNet Participation
    • Leading assessments on the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant to inform global vaccine policy through participation in the WHO Coronavirus Network (CoViNet).
  3. Capacity Building and Technology Transfer
    • Trained over 15 graduate researchers (2020-2024) in vaccine development, assay optimization, and immunological techniques, bolstering Africa’s scientific workforce.
    • Transferred advanced technologies such as 10x Genomics, Mesoscale Discovery (MSD), and Fc functional assays to UVRI, enhancing UVRI research capabilities.

Clinical Trial Leadership

  1. PrEPVacc Clinical Trial
    • Led the immunogenicity component of the multi-site HIV-1 PrEPVacc trial across 4 African nations(Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa).
    • Successfully coordinated endpoint immunogenicity testing and ensured quality oversight of trial processes.
  2. COVID-19 Vaccine Trials
    • Led immunogenicity evaluations for the COVAC-1 and COVA-003 COVID-19 vaccine trials, supporting vaccine licensure and deployment.

High-Impact Publications and Scientific Contributions

  • Published over 38 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, over the last five years, advancing knowledge on vaccine immunogenicity, immune correlates, and viral diversity.
  • Contributed pivotal findings that informed national and global vaccine policies for COVID-19, HIV, and emerging viral threats.

Strategic Grant Acquisition

  • Secured over $10 million in research grants (2018-2024) from Wellcome, CEPI, IAVI, EDCTP, and the Ugandan government, supporting projects on:
    • Virus surveillance
    • Immune profiling
    • Immune correlates
    • Vaccine development

 Major Funders

  • Govt of Uganda
  • Science Technology and Innovation Secretariat , office of the President
  • Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
  • Wellcome Trust
  • MRC UK
  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) through GIISER
  • USAID through International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)
  • European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP)

Recent Publications