Sha Liu

Research 1: In recent years, mRNA vaccines have emerged as a groundbreaking approach in the field of immunization, offering a versatile platform for combating infectious diseases and potentially revolutionizing the landscape of preventative medicine. Unlike traditional vaccines, which introduce weakened or inactivated pathogens into the body to stimulate an immune response, mRNA vaccines work by delivering genetic instructions to cells, prompting them to produce specific proteins that trigger an immune response against targeted pathogens. This innovative technology holds several advantages, including rapid development timelines, scalability, and the absence of live pathogens, making it particularly well-suited for addressing emerging infectious threats. However, the production of mRNA vaccines presents unique challenges, including the need for precise control over mRNA synthesis, purification, and delivery to ensure efficacy and safety. Overcoming these challenges requires the development of enabling technologies and manufacturing processes tailored to the unique characteristics of mRNA-based therapeutics. In this project, we aim to address these challenges by developing novel strategies and methodologies to streamline the production of precision mRNA vaccines, ultimately advancing the field of vaccine development and bolstering global preparedness against infectious diseases.

Research 2: The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human and animal healthcare have hastened the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, rendering once-treatable infections increasingly difficult to manage. Compounding this issue is the limited investment by major pharmaceutical companies in the research and development of new antibiotics, leaving healthcare providers with scant options to combat rapidly evolving drug-resistant pathogens. Recognizing that antibiotic resistance is a dynamic challenge, necessitating adaptive solutions, the resurgence of interest in bacteriophage therapy has garnered attention. Bacteriophages, viruses that target and destroy specific bacteria, offer a compelling alternative to traditional antibiotics. While historically utilized before the advent of antibiotics, research into phage therapy waned following the discovery of penicillin. However, the rise of "superbugs" and the pharmaceutical industry's reluctance to innovate in infectious disease therapeutics have reignited interest in phage therapy. This project is dedicated to advancing the preclinical and clinical development of phage therapy as a potent strategy against bacterial infections, particularly those caused by highly resistant strains.

Research 3:The "Manufacture Phage" project is dedicated to the biomanufacturing of bacteriophages, which are viruses that target and eliminate specific bacterial pathogens. The main challenge in phage biomanufacturing is achieving high-yield and cost-effective production while maintaining the purity and potency of the phages. Scaling up the production process involves precise control over the growth conditions of both the bacterial hosts and the phages to ensure consistent and reproducible results. Additionally, downstream processing, including purification and stabilization of phages, presents significant technical hurdles.