Dr. Richard Compans is studying viral surface glycoproteins and their ability to elicit immune responses. These are the most important viral antigens in eliciting protective immunity. By assembling virus-like particles bearing these proteins, it is possible to create safe vaccines capable of inducing responses similar to those elicited by virus infection. Dr. Compans is exploring the possibility of using this approach to combat HIV, influenza, and viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola, Lassa, and Marburg viruses.
A major focus of our group is to develop virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccine antigens which are effective in eliciting protective immune responses against viral infection. One project is focused on vaccines for HIV-1 prevention, with specific emphasis on inducing broadly reactive neutralizing antibody responses to primary HIV-1 isolates to prevent infection at mucosal surfaces. Other projects are focused on developing safe and effective vaccines to prevent pandemic influenza or viral hemorrhagic fever, employing VLPs containing the envelope glycoproteins of influenza, Marburg or Ebola virus on their surfaces.
