COVID pandemic supported the clinical use of nucleic acid vaccines which had been a proven concept in the research laboratories even a decade back. With the successful use of mRNA vaccine against the diseases, the concept can now have been extended to other viral infections that are emerging. As for the monoclonal antibodies, the synthetic gene approach can be efficiently used for this. Among the nucleic acid vaccines, DNA vaccines offers added advantages of multiplexing ability, thermal stability, and efficient induction of both humoral and cell mediated immunity that persists longer. In the plan project, we propose to develop a combined DNA vaccine against Chikungunya and Zika, two diseases that are haunting our population since a decade. Both the diseases are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes; and at present there are no specific vaccines or treatments available. We will amplify the envelope protein genes of these viruses from local isolates of the virus and clone them into suitable plasmid vectors.  These constructs will be characterised for their ability to induce required protein expression. Further, using animal models, we will check the efficacy of the vaccine construct produced in inducing both cell mediated and humoral immunity. By the end of three years of the flagship program, the construct will be made ready for industry transfer for further development to produce vaccine for clinical use.

Medium term plans are to emerge as a key centre for Applied Virology research focusing on excellence in public health virology. We plan establishment of mobile laboratory services for virus disease detection for field level surveys, development of novel virus diagnostics kits and accreditation of ourlaboratory services. We would also initiate research programmes involving next generation sequencing and bioinformatics approaches to carry out molecular characterization of viruses and studies on virus pathogenesis and immune response to viruses.

An advanced electron microscopy facility and establishment of vaccine research is also planned as medium-term goals. Since most of the emerging viral disease are of animal origin, strengthening one health approaches in virology is a major program and we will conduct epidemiological studies on zoonotic virus diseases. In order to support these activities, adequate well-trained human resources are essential. We plan to continue our short-term training programmes as well as initiate new post-doctoral openings to support the research. We also plan to get affiliated with universities to initiate academic programmes in virology research.

While state funding support will be a major share in these activitiesinitially, we also plan to initiateactivitiesfor revenue generation which will include services to private agencies in antiviral assays, diagnostic kit evaluation services,vaccine response studies and also other studies on viruses; and also exploring extramural funding from National and international funding agencies.We will also explore private funding including CSR funding from private institutions to support our flagship programs.Our target will be to get a matching external support as the state funding through our own initiatives.