Camilla Foged
Forskningsadjunkt
E-mail: cfo(at)farma.ku.dk  
Telefon: 35 33 64 02
Rum: 13/411

Theses in English

 Vaccine formulation and adjuvant research
Next generation vaccine candidates include highly purified and well-defined antigens, which represent a significant safety improvement for modern vaccines. However, as these are poorly immunogenic, the co-administration of efficient and safe adjuvants is necessary. Very few adjuvants are currently marketed and an unmet medical need therefore exists for new adjuvants, in particular those that can induce a cellular immune response, which is important for the prevention of challenging vaccine targets such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB). Recent breakthroughs in the understanding of how to induce and maintain different types of immune responses have enabled us, in collaboration with Statens Serum Institut (SSI), to engineer a versatile adjuvant platform based on immune-stimulating liposomal nanoparticles, which have been modified by the incorporation of selected pathogen-associated-molecular patterns (PAMPs) to provide immune profiles tailored specifically for the individual diseases, as shown in recent proof-of-concept animal studies. The research in the group focuses on nanoparticle engineering and the detailed molecular characterization of nanoparticulate vaccine formulations for optimized vaccination protocols.

Master projects can embrace parts of the following ongoing research projects in the group: 

- Detailed physicochemical characterization of the incorporation of PAMPs into cationic liposomes
- Structural characterization of vaccine adjuvants using light scattering techniques like small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)
- Characterization adjuvants containing novel immunomodulating compounds
- Characterization of the interaction between antigens and adjuvants
- Dry powder formulations for vaccine inhalation therapy
- Establishment of co-culture cell models reflecting the epithelial and immunological barriers in the airways

The projects are performed in close collaboration with SSI and Centre for Nanovaccines (CNV). In addition the group collaborates with several national and international academic research groups. The research is sponsored by The Danish National Advanced Technology Foundation, The Danish Council for Strategic Research, SSI and The Danish Council for Independent Research.
Supervisor: Camilla Foged/Post docs or PhD students associated to the project 

Nucleic acid delivery
During the latest decade, the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) has received an overwhelming amount of attention for the treatment of a variety of diseases such as cancer, infectious and inflammatory diseases like. A key hurdle for the further development of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics like siRNA is their safe and effective delivery since it has been realized protective delivery system are required since siRNA is rapidly degraded by nucleases ubiquitously present in biological fluids. In addition, the physicochemical properties of siRNA (size and charge) hinder membrane permeation to the site of action in the cell cytosol, calling for development of appropriate delivery systems that can facilitate transmembrane delivery. We focus on the rational design of nanoparticle-based siRNA carriers and the detailed molecular understanding of the systems in formulation and in biological environments.

Master projects can embrace parts of the following ongoing research projects in the group:

- Polymeric nanoparticle and liposome engineering and optimization through detailed physicochemical characterization
- Processing of nanoparticles (spray drying and freeze drying)
- Mechanistic aspect of the interaction between nanoparticles and the target cells, including uptake mechanisms, intracellular trafficking and intracellular drug release
- In vivo delivery of siRNA 
- Off-target effects of siRNA-nanoparticles

The projects are performed in collaboration with the EU FP6 consortium MEDITRANS (http://www.meditrans-ip.net). In addition the group holds strong collaborations with several national and international academic research groups. The research is sponsored by The Danish Council for Independent Research, EU and The Alfred Benzon Foundation.
Supervisor: Camilla Foged/Post docs or PhD students associated to the project