This seminar showcased the latest advances in vaccine development for skin NTDs. Prof Rajko Reljic (St George’s, University of London) presented his team’s subunit vaccine, which achieved full protection against Buruli ulcer in a mouse model—a key step towards an effective human vaccine. Dr Camila I de Oliveira (Fiocruz, Brazil) discussed efforts to develop attenuated parasite vaccines for cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis, highlighting both promising results and the remaining challenges in testing and development.
About the Speakers:
Prof Rajko Reljic is Professor of Immunology at City St George’s, University of London, and a member of the VALIDATE Network Management Board. His research focuses on mucosal TB vaccinology and immunology, including vaccine delivery systems such as nanoparticles, inactivated bacterial spores, liposomes and self-adjuvanting recombinant immune complexes. He also investigates immunotherapy as an adjunct treatment for TB, particularly drug-resistant disease.
Dr Camila Indiani de Oliveira is a researcher at Fiocruz Bahia, Brazil, specialising in parasitology and leishmaniasis. Her research focuses on interactions between Leishmania, its vertebrate hosts and insect vectors, including the development of new vaccines and treatments. She holds a PhD in Sciences from the University of São Paulo and teaches on postgraduate programmes in Pathology and Health Sciences.
