VPPC | The UCI Vaccines for Pandemic Preparedness Center
University of California - Irvine
Our proactive collaborative research network aims to develop generalizable strategies for safe and effective vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to combat high-priority pathogens most likely to threaten human health.
University of California - Irvine
VPPC | The UCI Vaccines for Pandemic Preparedness Center
Vaccines are a demonstrably effective tool for blunting the global health consequences of emerging infectious diseases like COVID; however, they must be delivered quickly to limit outbreak spread and reduce human mortality. Here, two different programmable vaccine platforms primed for quick deployment will be compared and characterized. The knowledge and technology gained from this project will enable a rapid and effective response to the next pandemic.
This Center is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number AI181968.
VPPC Overview
| Virus Family Focus | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Vaccine Approaches | Antibody Approaches |
|
|
VPPC Leadership
Philip Felgner, PhD
Center PI (Contact)
VPPC Projects
Project 1: Adjuvanted Protein Vaccines for Pandemic Preparedness
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
This Project focuses on characterizinig immune responses to develop adjuvanted multivalent recombinant protein vaccines that provide cross-protection against high-priority virus families with pandemic potential. By collaborating with other projects and cores in VPPC, the team refines vaccine formulations, tests immunity in rodent and non-human primate models, and ensures regulatory readiness for rapid production and clinical studies. This work advances innovative vaccines to protect against future viral threats, supporting global pandemic preparedness.
LEAD ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION:
University of California - Irvine
VIRUS FAMILY FOCUS:
PROTOTYPE VIRUSES:
- La Crosse Virus, Oropouche Virus, Cache Valley Virus, Coxsackie Virus A6, Coxsackie Virus B3, Enterovirus A, Enterovirus D
PROJECT LEADERSHIP:
Li Liang, PhD
Project Leader
Project 2: mRNA Vaccine Development Against Bunyaviruses, Paramyxoviruses and Picornaviruses
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
This Project focuses on developing potent mRNA-based vaccines to combat viruses with high pandemic potential, including Bunyaviruses, Paramyxoviruses, and Picornaviruses. Leveraging the flexibility and scalability of the lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated mRNA platform, the project aims to create durable, broadly protective vaccines that can be rapidly adapted to emerging pathogens. By generating "prototype" vaccines and testing their efficacy in animal models, this work advances global pandemic preparedness, providing a pathway for rapid vaccine production and deployment during future outbreaks
LEAD ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION:
University of Pennsylvania
VIRUS FAMILY FOCUS:
PROTOTYPE VIRUSES:
- La Crosse Virus, Oropouche Virus, Cache Valley Virus, Coxsackie Virus A6, Coxsackie Virus B3, Enterovirus A, Enterovirus D
PROJECT LEADERSHIP:
Norbert Pardi, PhD
Project Leader
Project 3: Peribunyaviridae Pathogenesis and Vaccine Testing
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
This Project focuses on understanding and combating Orthobunyaviruses (OBVs), which can cause severe diseases like encephalitis and long-term neurological complications. By identifying how these viruses infect cells and trigger immune responses, the team aims to develop safe and effective vaccines while exploring additional therapies. Using advanced models, the project will test new vaccines and investigate how OBVs invade the brain, with the ultimate goal of preventing both immediate and long-term effects of infection.
LEAD ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION:
Baylor College of Medicine
VIRUS FAMILY FOCUS:
PROTOTYPE VIRUSES:
- La Crosse Virus, Oropouche Virus, Cache Valley Virus
PROJECT LEADERSHIP:
Shannon Ronca, PhD, MPH
Project Leader
Project 4: Multi-scale Development and Evaluation of Broadly-effective Vaccines Against Picornaviruses with Pandemic Potential
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
This Project focuses on developing vaccines to combat enteroviruses, which cause serious diseases like poliomyelitis, meningitis, and acute flaccid myelitis but currently lack broad preventative measures beyond polio vaccines. Using innovative mRNA and protein-based platforms, the team aims to create vaccines that provide protection across multiple enterovirus strains. By testing these candidates in advanced models, the project establishes a validated workflow to rapidly respond to emerging picornavirus threats and strengthen global public health defenses.
LEAD ORGANIZATION/INSTITUTION:
University of California - Irvine
VIRUS FAMILY FOCUS:
PROTOTYPE VIRUSES:
- Coxsackie Virus A6, Coxsackie Virus B3, Enterovirus A, Enterovirus D
VPPC Cores
Each ReVAMPP Center has an Administrative Core and a Data Management Core. Centers can also have up to three Scientific Cores to support resources and/or facilities that are essential for the collaborative research activities in two or more research projects.
CORE SERVICES:
Administrative
LEAD ORGANIZATION:
University of California - Irvine
The UC Irvine Vaccines for Pandemic Preparedness Center (VPPC) is dedicated to advancing vaccines against prototype viruses from the Bunyavirus, Paramyxovirus, and Picornavirus families. By leveraging two rapid-response platforms--Adjuvanted Recombinant Protein (ARP) and mRNA/Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines--the Center aims to create scalable solutions for future viral outbreaks. The Administrative Core provides expert oversight and coordination across research projects, scientific cores, and industry partners, ensuring efficiency and transparency. Through its collaborative and innovative approach, the VPPC is poised to enhance global pandemic preparedness and vaccine development.
CORE LEADERSHIP:
Philip Felgner, PhD
Core Leader
CORE SERVICES:
Data Stewardship
LEAD ORGANIZATION:
University of California - Irvine
The Data Management Core (DMC) is critical to the success of the UCI Vaccines for Pandemic Preparedness Center (VPPC), ensuring high-quality, efficient, and compliant data management across all research activities. By leveraging advanced informatics infrastructures and automated quality control systems, the DMC maintains data integrity and adherence to FAIR principles for findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability. Collaborating closely with the ReVAMPP Coordinating and Data Sharing Center (CDSC), the DMC facilitates seamless data sharing and regulatory readiness, supporting rapid vaccine development and deployment. This centralized and innovative approach accelerates scientific discovery and strengthens pandemic preparedness efforts.
CORE LEADERSHIP:
Kai Zheng, PhD
Core Leader
CORE SERVICES:
Regulatory Support
Manufacturing Process Development
LEAD ORGANIZATION:
Baylor College of Medicine
The VPPC Regulatory Science Core is essential to accelerating the development of vaccines and therapeutics for emerging threats, aligning with the U.S. government's 100 Days Mission to respond swiftly to the next "Disease X". By establishing a robust Total Quality Management System (TQMS), the Core ensures that all research efforts meet regulatory standards, enabling efficient technology transfer, manufacturing readiness, and preclinical testing. Through harmonized processes, continuous quality improvement, and centralized document control, the Core supports the rapid progression of vaccine candidates into clinical trials. This framework prepares the consortium to respond effectively to future pandemics with high-quality, regulatory-ready vaccine prototypes.
CORE SERVICES:
Correlates of Protection
Animal Models
LEAD ORGANIZATION:
University of California - Irvine
The VPPC Translational Immunology Core is dedicated to bridging the gap between preclinical vaccine development and human clinical trials, addressing the challenge of translating promising candidates from small animal models to humans. By testing vaccines in non-human primates (NHP) and human immune organoid models, the Core collects comprehensive immunogenicity and safety data to identify correlates of protection and mechanisms of immunity. Leveraging a systems immunology approach, it integrates diverse metrics, including antibody responses and adaptive immune activation, to refine and optimize vaccine design. This work accelerates the development of effective vaccines against Bunyaviruses, Paramyxoviruses, and Picornaviruses, contributing to global pandemic preparedness.
CORE SERVICES:
Computational Analysis
Structure Analysis
Vaccine/Antibody Production
LEAD ORGANIZATION:
University of California - Irvine
The VPPC Antibody, Epitope and Machine Learning Core maps key epitopes for vaccine and antibody design, using machine learning to predict viral antigen evolution, and creating antibodies to track and study these viruses. These efforts refine vaccine design, identify immune targets, and anticipate viral mutations to stay ahead of outbreaks. Through its innovative approach, the Core ensures a proactive, data-driven response to emerging viral threats, strengthening global pandemic preparedness.
CORE LEADERSHIP:
Chang Liu, PhD
Core Leader
VPPC Participating Organizations & Institutions
- Baylor College of Medicine
- University of California, Irvine
- University of Pennsylvania