Viral Entry and Vaccines
We conduct studies into 3 of the world’s most destructive human pathogens: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus), HIV and hepatitis C virus.
Group Heads
About
Focusing on the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C, and other significant viruses, we study how viruses enter cells and how the immune system can block infection. Using structural biology, immunology, and vaccine design, we develop strategies to prevent viral infection. This includes creating next-generation vaccines and understanding protective immune responses.
Our research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral entry and the immune responses that can prevent infection. To inform the rational design of vaccines, we use a multidisciplinary approach combining:
- structural biology
- virology
- protein engineering
- systems immunology.
A major focus of our work is hepatitis C virus (HCV), one of the most genetically diverse viruses, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Both pathogens pose significant challenges for vaccine development due to their ability to evade immune recognition.
By investigating how antibodies and T cells respond to infection or vaccination, we aim to define the key features of protective immunity. This knowledge guides the development of next-generation vaccines capable of inducing broad and durable protection.
Our vaccine candidates are tested in preclinical models to evaluate safety and immunogenicity. The goal is to progress to human clinical trials for real-world impact against these and other emerging viral threats.
Listen now
Hear from Professor Heidi Drummer, co-head of our group, on our How Science Matters podcast.
Current projects
View 4 moreImmunity to SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination and infection in people who live without a functioning spleen
We aim to understand how living without a functioning spleen impacts a person’s antiviral immune responses to viral infections and vaccination.
Understanding the impact of hyposplenism on the immune system
This project identifies immune impairments in people living with hyposplenism.
Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 post-vaccination and infection in people who are immunosuppressed
The aim of this project is to profile the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in people who are immunosuppressed.
Past projects
COVID-19 antigens for PoC test development
In this project we will express both the spike and nucleoproteins of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. These antigens will contribute to the development of a COVID-19 point-of-care diagnostic test.
Neutralising antibody assays for COVID-19
Rapid high-throughput neutralisation assays are essential for analysis of immune responses in human infection and animal experiments.
ACE2 inhibitors for treatment of COVID-19
We aim to contribute to the development of an antiviral inhalant for patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID).
Featured publications
Enhanced stability of the SARS CoV-2 spike glycoprotein following modification of an alanine cavity in the protein core
PLoS Pathogens
Pantelis Poumbourios et al
A pan‐genotype hepatitis C virus viral vector vaccine generates T cells and neutralizing antibodies in mice
Hepatology
Timothy Donnison et al
Virus-Like Particles Containing the E2 Core Domain of Hepatitis C Virus Generate Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies in Guinea Pigs
Journal of Virology
Joey McGregor et al
Serological responses and clinical outcomes following a three‐dose primary COVID‐19 vaccine schedule in kidney transplant recipients and people on dialysis
Clinical & Translational Immunology
Dhakshayini Tharmaraj et al
Bridging the gap: A new tool to down select HCV vaccine candidates
Hepatology
John Law, Heidi E. Drummer
To Include or Occlude: Rational Engineering of HCV Vaccines for Humoral Immunity
Viruses
Felicia Schlotthauer, Joey McGregor, Heidi E. Drummer
Enhancing the antigenicity and immunogenicity of monomeric forms of hepatitis C virus E2 for use as a preventive vaccine
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Rob J. Center et al
An Optimized Hepatitis C Virus E2 Glycoprotein Core Adopts a Functional Homodimer That Efficiently Blocks Virus Entry
Journal of Virology
Kathleen McCaffrey et al
The core domain of hepatitis C virus glycoprotein E2 generates potent cross‐neutralizing antibodies in guinea pigs
Hepatology
Patricia Vietheer et al
Group contacts
Main contact
Professor Heidi Drummer
Scientific Director for Research Translation; Scientific Director, Burnet Diagnostics Initiative; Principal Investigator, Burnet Vaccine Initiative; Co-Head, Viral Entry and Vaccines Group
Student supervisor contacts
Professor Heidi Drummer
Scientific Director for Research Translation; Scientific Director, Burnet Diagnostics Initiative; Principal Investigator, Burnet Vaccine Initiative; Co-Head, Viral Entry and Vaccines Group
Group members
Dr Andy Poumbourios
Co-Head, Viral Entry and Vaccines Group
Christine Langer
Senior Research Assistant
Dr Felicia Schlotthauer
Commercial Project Manager, Commercialisation and Research Translation
Dr Gabriela Khoury
Theme Leader, Antiviral Immunity
Professor Heidi Drummer
Scientific Director for Research Translation; Scientific Director, Burnet Diagnostics Initiative; Principal Investigator, Burnet Vaccine Initiative; Co-Head, Viral Entry and Vaccines Group
Irene Boo
Research Assistant, Drummer/Poumbourios Laboratory
Joey McGregor
PhD Student
Tasnim Zakir
Research Assistant
Dr Dilini Rathnayake
Research Officer
