Exploring various approaches for investigating the mechanism of native diphtheriae toxin production by a C. diphtheriae strain: From omics to nutritional to process approaches

Diphtheria is still a disease causing significant morbidity and mortality in people worldwide that did not received vaccination or suffer from incomplete immunization. The disease is due to a powerful toxin produced by the pathogenic bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheria. A good vaccine already exists but its production is rather complex and involves several steps: cultivation of the microorganism, extraction, concentration and inactivation of the toxin followed by extensive purification of the inactivated toxin (toxoid). Much research is still needed in order to increase the vaccine yield, this, to permit a significant reduction in production costs and to deliver a more reproducible and robust production process. Success will translate into a more affordable vaccine for people, especially people in underdeveloped countries. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Denis Groleau

Student:

Mounia Akassou

Partner:

Sanofi Pasteur

Discipline:

Visual arts

Sector:

Pharmaceuticals

University:

Program: