Work Packages

WP1

Conserved region detection and virus evolution

Led by NEC Oncoimmunity AS

Goals:

1) Collect available data necessary for the identification of existing H1N1 strains from public databases;

2) Curate the gathered data and identify conserved viral regions across host species;

3) Predict potential future H1N1 strains that could emerge and potentially lead to a pandemic.

WP2

Design of broadly protective vaccine

Led by NEC Oncoimmunity AS

Goals:

Design a broadly protective vaccine by AI-based algorithms that can:

1) Identify 3D conformational B-cell epitopes;

2) Predict mutation of epitopes to increase immunogenicity and protectiveness; and

3) Simulate the molecular dynamic of those epitopes to ensure biochemical stability and discard candidates that are likely to fail at the production stage.

WP3

Recombinant vaccine manufacturing

Led by Nevezyne

Goals:

1) Manufacture a subunit vaccine consisting of the novel H1N1 antigens identified in WP2 using NVZ’s proprietary baculovirus vectors, infection protocols, and protein purification from Bombyx mori silkworms.

2) Produce adjuvants for induction of mucosal immunity leveraging CRODA’s know-how.

The goal of this WP is to bring H1N1 vaccine candidates to a state where they are ready for preclinical testing in WP4.

WP4

Testing mucosal and systemic immunity induced by vaccine

Led by Université Jean Monnet

Goals:

To identify the 3 best antigens among the 9 candidates designed using AI. These 3 antigens will be formulated with 4 different adjuvants and tested using 4 different routes of administration. This will be achieved with in vitro and in vivo experiments to

1) Characterize mucosal and systemic immune responses after vaccine administration by different routes and adjuvants;

2) Measure antigen uptake, reactogenicity and presentation in in vitro ALI epithelial models and in tonsil human organoids;

3) Evaluate protection in mouse model of H1N1 infection; and

4) Demonstrate efficacy to prevent and/or reduce the level of H1N1 infection and transmissibility on the gold standard ferret animal model.

WP5

Fostering ethical, societal, and regulatory readincess for AI-driven vaccines

Led by Uppsala University

Goals:

1) Support ethical research conduct,

2) Foster inclusive engagement with stakeholders,

3) Explore public responses to emerging technologies, and

4) Develop pathways for trustworthy AI-driven vaccine development. The work will contribute to responsible innovation by clarifying societal expectations, informing policy dialogue, and promoting equity and trust in vaccine development across diverse settings

WP6

Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation

Led by European Vaccine Inititiative (EVI)

Goals:

1) Ensure the visibility, accessibility, and long-term use of the project’s outcomes by implementing a coherent strategy that integrates communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and exploitation pathways;

2) Foster trust and uptake of the project’s AI-driven tools across scientific, industrial, public health, and policy audiences;

3) Support the translation of project results into short- and long-term impact

WP7

Project Management

Led by European Vaccine Inititiative (EVI)

Goals:

1) Ensure efficient project coordination, with a focus on timely delivery of results;

2) Assess and manage risks continuously;

3) Manage financial and administrative issues;

4) Ensure compliance with EC requirements and reporting;

5) Establish effective communication channels across the consortium; and

6) Manage data collection and monitoring, ensuring alignment with FAIR principles.