The CVI trains tomorrow’s scientists and puts UGA at the forefront of translational research. Our researchers are working on projects that will change the landscape of animal and human health. The synergy between CVI-based faculty and affiliated researchers from across the UGA campus yields a deep bench of experts engaged in a wide variety of research in collaboration with individuals from business, academia and government agencies.
Diabetes, Obesity, & Metabolism
Our researchers are experienced in large animal model development and can help you develop and validate novel models of metabolic disorders. Along with our experts, you can access our in-house laboratories that provide qualitative and quantitative analytics on a variety of endpoints.
Coupled with our resources is a depth of experience with large animals. In addition to facilities and personnel dedicated to the study and care of the animals, our on-site diet laboratory provides custom diets to induce specific disease-states against which to test your intervention. We are skilled at sourcing the right animal for the study, including offering unique research opportunities through our colony of metabolic disease and diabetic non-human primates. These animals naturally develop type 2 diabetes in ways that mimic the human progression of the disease. There is a cohort of these animals available at any one time, ready to be used in small trials or pilots.
Key areas of research
Infectious Disease
Our researchers are experts in infectious disease – from studying the molecular and cellular biology of pathogens to examining the role of the immune system, the development of vaccines and the mechanisms of co-infection for some of the most harmful diseases to humans and animals. We are experienced in model development—from rodents to food animals to nonhuman primates—and can help you develop and validate any influenza vaccine. CVI supports vaccine development for special populations, most notably pediatrics and geriatrics by way of our ferret, swine, bird, and non-human primate colonies. The first of its kind, this unique resource provides small and large animal models appropriate for the development of vaccines intended for children and infants as well as an aged population. Each model may be evaluated in BSL-2 or BSL-3 conditions including select agent influenza. Our experts can help devise, implement and analyze your study and its results using this unique resource.
Key Areas of Research
CVI faculty are developing the next generation of treatments – novel vaccines and therapeutic antibodies – that target underlying causes of various respiratory diseases. Beyond asthma and COPD, our faculty are actively exploring treatments for pneumocystis pneumonia, aspergullis, metapneumovirus, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The CVI supports vaccine development for special populations, most notably pediatrics and geriatrics by way of our ferret, swine, bird, and non-human primate colonies. The first of its kind, this unique resource provides small and large animal models appropriate for the development of vaccines intended for children and infants as well as an aged population. Each model may be evaluated in BSL-2 or BSL-3 conditions including select agent influenza. Our experts can help devise, implement and analyze your study and its results using this unique resource.
Technologies
Hydrogel-Based Vaccine Delivery Platform (VacSIM) –Donald Harn, PhD
Vaccine to Prevent Transmission and Colonization of Whooping Cough in Humans and Animals –Eric Harvill, PhD
Prevention and Treatment of Pneumocystis Pneumonia and other Lung Fungal Pathogens–Karen Norris, PhD
Broad Spectrum HA Antigens for Influenza Vaccines–Ted Ross, PhD
Monovalent Dengue Vaccine Against All Four Dengue Serotypes -Ted Ross, PhD
Platform to Easily Generate Novel and Safe Lipid A Adjuvants -Stephen Trent
