We are thrilled to announce recent grant success for the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases (NCARD) and our very own A/Prof Alec Redwood. Alec, a recognized expert in the biology of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV), brings his extensive knowledge to a project that extends beyond his mesothelioma research, addressing broader health challenges.

Project Overview:

While A/Prof Alec Redwood is known for his expertise in MCMV biology, this new project is taking his knowledge to a whole new level. Each year, millions of lives are affected by diseases that jump from animals to humans, posing a global threat. In an innovative project involving international collaboration, led by Prof Scott Nuismer from the University of Idaho, Alec and his research associate Dr Baca Chan is tackling this challenge head-on.

How It Works:

The research team from University of Idaho, University of Western Australia and the Institute for Respiratory Health are studying transmissible vaccines that can move from animal to animal, creating immunity within animal reservoirs to prevent spill over of dangerous pathogens. This revolutionary approach will significantly reduce the vaccination effort needed within animal populations, making it easier to control diseases in remote reservoir habitats where direct vaccination is often impossible.

The Research:

Alec’s expertise in MCMV biology is directly relevant to this project. Building on this foundation, Alec and his team will help develop mathematical models to determine if and how transmissible vaccines can be safely used to prevent pathogen spillover into humans. They will validate these models using laboratory studies with prototype transmissible vaccines using cytomegalovirus as a vector—a virus with a wide range of applications, including the potential use as a cancer vaccine.

Why This Matters:

This project brings together experts in mathematical modelling, viral evolution, and MCMV biology to address critical issues in public health. By developing transmissible vaccines, we can potentially prevent the spill over of diseases from animals to humans, all while leveraging Alec’s deep expertise in MCMV biology.

Join us in congratulating A/Prof Alec Redwood on this remarkable achievement that bridges his work in MCMV biology, mesothelioma research, and broader health challenges! We are proud to be at the forefront of research that extends the boundaries of science and aims to improve global health.

Stay tuned for more updates on this ground-breaking research!