Infectious Disease Immunology

The Department of Infectious Disease Immunology conducts translational vaccine research. We invent and patent new vaccines and adjuvants. We work diligently to support our inventions through research and seek to establish public-private collaborations to bring our innovations into practical use. The Department is divided into four research groups:

• TB vaccine research
• Chlamydia vaccine research
• Gastrointestinal vaccine research
• Vaccine adjuvant research

Each project is led by a project manager and consists of researchers, students, and technicians. Alongside targeted vaccine development programs, we also work on fundamental research projects to enhance our understanding of the interaction between host and microorganisms. This includes identifying virulence factors, antigens and analyzing immune responses during infections. The department’s work is supported by public funding from Denmark, including organizations such as Innovation fund Denmark, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond, as well as international funds like EU, EDCTP, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and National Institutes of Health.

The department’s research is internationally leading in both vaccine research and new diagnostics. Technologies invented and developed within the department have led to some of the most successful new diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, such as QuantIFERON and T.spot.TB. Additionally, the department has designed and developed several new vaccines, including those for tuberculosis and chlamydia, which are currently undergoing testing in humans. Furthermore, the department has contributed to the development and testing of a completely new generation of tailored adjuvants.

Frank Follmann leads the department, which is organizationally part of the Center for Vaccine Research. Currently, there are approximately 45 employees in the department.