Wednesday 3rd February 2016
The South Wilts Virus Group (SWVG) is a forum for virologists in the Wiltshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire region. It was started in 1952 at the Common Cold Unit (CCU) at Harnham Down near Salisbury (hence the name South Wilts Virus Group) as an informal gathering of scientists in the area to discuss virological topics. These meetings consist of several short, informal talks and the opportunity to have a drink and chat with staff from the other sites.
Members include:
- The Pirbright Institute (Pirbright, Surrey)
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (Weybridge, Surrey)
- Public Health England (Porton Down, Wiltshire)
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Porton Down, Wiltshire)
- Influenza Group at Imperial College (London)
- University of Surrey (Surrey)
There are three meetings each year rotating between PI, APHA, HPA, DSTL, CEH, the Imperial College Influenza Group and Surrey.
On Wednesday 23rd February 2016 The Pirbright Institute hosted a South Wilts Virus Group Meeting. The day consisted of two workshops and a tour around the institute’s insectary hosted by Dr Simon Carpenter followed by an afternoon of presentations detailing research carried out at The Pirbright Institute.
Dr Pippa Hawes, Group Leader in Bioimaging hosted a workshop on Bioimaging at The Pirbright Institute and beyond whilst Dr Paolo Ribeca, Head of integrative Biology hosted a workshop on the application of high-throughput sequencing techniques for virology.
Dr Javier Castillo-Olivares discussed Viral Vector Vaccines for the Global Control of African Horse Sickness. African horse sickness comes from the Reoviridae family of viruses and has 9 serotypes. It can be transmitted by the biting midge Culliociodes imicola and replicates in lymph nodes, infecting monocytes, endothelial cells and macrophages. Symptoms include fever, depression, dysnopia, edema and sudden death. At present there is no DIVA vaccine for ASF. Dr Castillo-Olivares described his research on an MVA based vaccine. |
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Dr Clare Grant discussed the bovine B Cell Response in Foot and Mouth Disease Virus. Dr Grant described the antibody repertoire in bovine and the response seen in those infected with FMDV. FMDV is a devastating health and economical disease in cloven-footed animals. Understanding the host immune system with regard to virus infection can provide imperative research in developing correct immune responses for future vaccines. |
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Tom Peacock, a PhD student at the Pirbright Institute discussed his research on Avian Influenza: Vaccines and Zoonotic Potential. Using H9N2 as a model his research looks for the key residues associated with antigenic diversity and consequences this has on viral fitness and hence the potential to target as vaccine candidates. |
The day was a great success, showcasing research that takes place at The Pirbright Institute and the chance to network with other researchers from different institutes in the UK.
For more information on South Wilts Virus Group and future meetings please see www.swvg.org.uk
If interested in joining future meetings and being a part of the SWVG please contact Barry Atkinson at PHE Porton Down (Barry.atkinson@phe.gov )
The SWVG would like to thank The UK Veterinary Vaccinology Network helped support the meeting for funding the afternoon coffee break, and Sarita Sanchez-Gallagher, Madeleine Clark, Ewan Parry Selma Rayon for helping to ensure the day ran smoothly.