Centre for Pathogen Evolution
Our research focus is to understand the fundamental processes that govern the evolution of pathogens that change over time, with most of our work on influenza viruses, and to use this understanding to potentially predict their evolution. This research is highly interdisciplinary and involves mathematical, computational, theoretical, and experimental work in evolution, virology, immunology, and epidemiology, to understand and quantify the selection pressures on the viruses and the constraints on the evolution.
We work closely with experimental virologists, immunologists and clinicians. The work has significant translational impact and provides support to the World Health Organization (WHO) influenza vaccine strain selection process, to the NIH SARS-CoV-2 Assessment of Viral Evolution (SAVE) and to develop and distribute free high-quality software.
Current research topics include:
- Advanced vaccination and immunity management strategies to protect from influenza virus infection
- Support to Centres for Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS) regarding human and animal influenza surveillance
- Research on influenza pathogenesis and host response
- Linking antigenic and genetic variation of Dengue (fever) to individuals
- Collaborative management platform for the detection and analyses of (re-)emerging and foodborne outbreaks in Europe
- Providing ongoing support and advice to WHO influenza strain selection and vaccine development meetings for both Northern and Southern hemispheres
Key Publications
Derek J. Smith, Alan S. Lapedes, et al, 2004. Mapping the Antigenic and Genetic Evolution of Influenza Virus. Science, DOI 10.1126/science.1097211
Colin A. Russell, Terry C. Jones, et al, 2008. The Global Circulation of Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) Viruses. Science,DOI: 10.1126/science.1154137
Björn F. Koel, David F. Burke, et al, 2013. Substitutions Near the Receptor Binding Site Determine Major Antigenic Change During Influenza Virus Evolution. Science, DOI 10.1126/science.1244730
J. M. Fonville, S. H. Wilks, et al, 2014. Antibody landscapes after influenza virus infection or vaccination. Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.1256427
Colin A. Russell, Judith M. Fonville, et al, 2012 The Potential for Respiratory Droplet–Transmissible A/H5N1 Influenza Virus to Evolve in a Mammalian Host. Science, DOI: 10.1126/science.1222526