Dr Hill’s research focuses on understanding the immunological mechanisms that confer protection against upper respiratory tract pathobiont colonisation, with the ultimate aim of informing next-generation vaccine design. A critical component of her research involves the development and use of immunological assays to assess adaptive cellular immune responses in controlled human infection models (CHIMs). Current CHIMS on which Dr Hill’s work centres include:
1) Controlled human challenge model of aysmptomatic Bordetella pertussis infection
Whooping cough is a severe respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, epidemics of which continue to emerge globally despite high vaccination rates. Whilst current vaccines are protective against disease, they do not prevent infection and transmission, which may contribute to continued circulation and epidemic peaks. Controlled human infection is a pertinent technique to identify people who are relatively protected against experimental infection. Dr Hill’s research aims to identify immunological biomarkers of protection in the context of controlled human infection and novel vaccine-challenge trials.
2) Controlled human challenge model of Neisseria lactamica infection
Neisseria lactamica, is a commensal species of the nasopharynx that protects against infection and disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis. Dr Hill’s research aims to understand the immunological mechanisms that underpin this protection, by examining cross-reactive responses in the N. lactamica human challenge model.
3) Controlled human challenge model of genetically-modified (GM) Neisseria lactamica infection
As a commensal species of the nasopharynx, genetic-modification of N. lactamica has the potential to be used for the delivery of vaccine antigens (e.g. N. meningitidis antigens) directly to the mucosal surface. Dr Hill’s research aims to detect and characterise immunological responses to heterologous antigens in the GM N. lactamica controlled human infection model, with the aim to assess feasibility as a novel vaccine antigen delivery system
