Immunology

Tips on Immunology

Professor J. M. Sánchez-Vizcaíno

Miquel Collell (Global Technical Director ReproPig & SowCare – MSD Animal Health) hosts a conversation between Stephan von Berg (Global Technical Director Swine PigCare – MSD Animal Health) and the renowned African Swine Fever expert and immunologist Professor José Manuel Sanchez-Vizcaíno, where they ask: what are the ingredients for a perfect vaccine?

Professor Sanchez-Vizcaíno sets out:

  • the most important things to consider when trying to produce ‘beautiful antibodies’
  • the difficulties of trials with complicated pathogens like ASF
  • the importance of good adjuvants, and
  • how molecular biology can reveal new, useful information about pathogen proteins

Considering the imminent arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, Stefan and the Professor also examine the immune response issues that explain why all vaccines aren’t developed as quickly.

Discussing his work with the Brado Pigs to eradicate ASF in Sardinia – and assessing the very different farming methods and traditions across Europe and Asia – Professor Sanchez-Vizcaíno describes how to run a successful pig vaccination program even when the local community are against it.

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José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno

José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno.

Professor of Animal Health, Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Spain. Sánchez-Vizcaíno is currently leading the VACDIVA project, focused on the development of a vaccine against ASF effective in both wild boar and domestic pigs. A graduate and PhD from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain), he continued his postgraduate studies in animal immunology and virology at Cornell University (New York).