Vaccine approaches against HEV in pigs

This project will comprehensively test different vaccine approaches against HEV in pigs, applying a range of methods from measuring Abs to the protective signature in the liver. The hypothesis is that the vaccines may not be able to prevent infection, but to reduce HEV replication to an extend that onward transmission between pigs would no longer be possible. To that extend the approaches to investigate the above concept are as follows: · Use of an oral vaccine, a parantal vaccine, and the combination of the above – as prime/boost approach · In all cases the project will analyse the levels and quality of Abs generated. · The project will further analyse the induction of T cells by the vaccine – such analysis will be undertaken via liver and gut samples (locally) as well as systemically (in blood). The project can use flow cytometry, RNASeq or scRNASeq to demonstrate the full spectrum of functional T cells induced. The most promising candidate approach will then also be used for a challenge study.