The OVG preclinical team comprises a core team who conducts immunogenicity testing in mice and an exploratory research team. 10 immunogenicity studies have been conducted/scheduled for 2024, with a number of mice per project that varies from around 60 to over 2000. Immunogenicity testing precedes challenge studies that are outsourced and performed in diverse animal models principally located outside of the UK. The preclinical core team also supports exploratory research projects often conducted as part of DPhil students’ work. This core team comprises research assistants and postdocs, whilst the exploratory research team is made of DPhil students and postdocs. The main assays used for the assessment of vaccine immunogenicity on mouse samples are ELISAs, ELISpots, (pseudo)-neutralisation assays, and flow cytometry. The success of OVG preclinical work has led to several phase I trials in the past years.

Whilst not strictly preclinical work we often take a one health approach to pathogen evolution and zoonotic transfer – testing multiple species for the evidence of infection, or pre-exposure.