Employing institution: South Eastern Kenya University
Host institution: Helmholtz Institute for Infection Research (HZI)
Project title:
Preparation of a library of SARS-CoV-2 variants using mutagenesis for the generation of pseudoviruses for molecular characterization of emerging immune escape variants
Dr. Mangare is an Immunologist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine from Hannover Biomedical Research School, Germany. She is an early career researcher working at the South Eastern Kenya University. Her research interests are centered on elucidating virus-specific immune responses, adoptive immunotherapy, and vaccine development to prevent severe diseases caused by viruses such as Dengue and SARS-CoV-2. The opportunity provided by AREF to acquire new skills for career advancement was a significant inspiration for the pursuit of this award.
AREF Fellowship research project
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, raised concerns of their potential impact on public health due to genetic mutations that could reduce the efficacy of existing vaccines and antibody therapies. This project aims to investigate the impact of these mutations on viral infectivity, neutralizing antibodies, and vaccine efficacy. The strategy involves generating a library of SARS-CoV-2 variants and preparing pseudotypes for neutralization assays. The project endeavors to identify immune escape variants, understand changes in immune evasion or virulence, contributing to tailoring therapies specific to variants in Africa, offering insights for booster shots and virus control. Post-Fellowship research will involve elucidation of viral infectivity using generated pseudoviruses for prevalent SARS-CoV-2 variants and other viruses in Africa, with implications on future pandemic modeling.
During her placement at the Helmholtz Institute for Infection Research (HZI), under the guidance of Prof. Luka Cicin-Sain, Dr Caroline will acquire skills in infection research, including generating SARS-CoV-2 variants, serological analyses, and peptide microarray training. Upon her return, she intends to utilize her expertise to improve viral infection research, focusing on utility of pseudoviruses for characterising immune responses, leading to personalised therapies and vaccines. Moreover, she will engage with collaborators and policymakers to ensure a lasting impact on infection research.
Quote
“My placement at HZI will enhance understanding of host immune responses to viral infections, paving the way for tailored therapies and vaccines in Africa.”
Dr Caroline expects to start her fellowship in November 2025