[Technician] Design and production, in yeast, of Bluetongue virus capsid particles as an alternative to the live attenuated virus vaccine
[Technician] Design and production, in yeast, of Bluetongue virus capsid particles as an alternative to the vaccine based on live attenuated virus.
Bluetongue is a viral disease of domestic and wild ruminants, transmitted by small biting insects belonging to certain species of the Culicoides genus. The causative agent is a virus of the Reoviridae family, of the orbivirus genus. To date, more than 27 distinct serotypes have been identified worldwide. The disease causes, mainly in sheep, thrombo-hemorrhagic fevers. The virus and its serology are well known and vaccination helps prevent the disease. However, current vaccines are not without problems and limitations. Live attenuated vaccines (MLV) are very effective but can cause serious infection in a percentage of vaccinated sheep. Furthermore, the attenuated strain can adapt to Culicoides species present in an endemic region and, finally, the possibility of reassortment and inter-exchange of some of the 10 RNA segments constituting the BTV genome with natural strains cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, inactivated vaccines are expensive to produce and require at least two doses with a high concentration of antigens. As a result, there are broad possibilities for developing recombinant vaccines, capable of combining several serotypes and with lower production costs.
In this context, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae , has been used to produce recombinant antigens which have been successfully applied as vaccines in humans, as is the case of the hepatitis virus surface antigen. B. The yeast Pir4 expression system we developed has been successfully used to express antigens and enzymes in S. cerevisiae. Based on this experience, we propose here to:
1. Produce structural viral particles from the Bluetongue virus disseminated in the Mediterranean basin. These antigens will be expressed either in the form of purified proteins or targeted to the surface of yeast cells;
2. Evaluate the immunogenicity of the generated antigens and determine their safety and effectiveness;
3. Produce vaccines against Bluetongue on a pilot scale.
• Minimum Bac + 2
• Training in biology, biotechnology, chemistry
Application file:
Curriculum vitae, cover letter, diplomas and transcripts, other documents deemed relevant.
Functions:
• Assist in the preparation of equipment and materials necessary for the execution of the project
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analyzes relevant to the project
• Collect data, document the analyses, and present the results
• Maintain, calibrate and sterilize the instruments of the laboratory
• Follow rigorous control and safety protocols
• Manage stocks and order the equipment necessary for the operation of the project
• Manage waste according to current standards
• Assist in the general organization of the laboratory
Working conditions :
The candidate-technician will carry out full-time research work at the Euromed University of Fez
Contract duration : 2 years
Net monthly compensation (Service contract): 3,500.00 MAD/month
Date of incorporation: Immediate
File to be sent to i.moukadiri@ueuromed.org before September 20, 2023